Estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea (tens) e ultrassom para os sintomas da síndrome do intestino irritável: um estudo de caso / Transcutaneous nervous electrical stimulation (tens) and ultrasound for irritable bowel syndrome symptoms: a case study / Estimulación nerviosa eléctrica transcutánea (tens) y ultrasonido para los síntomas del síndrome del intestino irritable: un estudio de casos

Introdução: O intestino é um órgão vital, entretanto, seu mau funcionamento pode gerar alguns distúrbios como por exemplo, "A síndrome do intestino irritável". O quadro desses pacientes são dores na barriga, inchaço abdominal e alteração na frequência das evacuações e na consistência das fezes. A fisioterapia tem apresentado meios que favorecem analgesia. Objetivo: Verificar os efeitos da Estimulação Elétrica Nervosa Transcutânea (TENS) e do Ultrassom (US) nos sintomas da síndrome do intestino irritável. Método: Foi utilizado o TENS na região abdominal, durante 15 minutos. O Ultrassom foi usado durante 3 minutos em cada região abdominal, somando 12 minutos ao total. O tratamento foi realizado durante um mês, com 9 sessões. Utilizou-se a Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) e o questionário Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ). Resultados: Nos sintomas intestinais obteve-se progresso de 5 pontos no questionário IBDQ e nos sintomas emocionais houve uma evolução de 9 pontos, sendo este, estatisticamente significante. Na escala EVA a média de escore diminui de 5,6 para 3,6 ao final da intervenção. Conclusão: A intervenção fisioterapêutica surtiu efeitos positivos e contribuiu para a diminuição da dor e os outros sintomas como: inchaço abdominal e diminuição na quantidade de evacuações e essa evolução auxiliou na qualidade de vida do voluntário.

Introduction: The intestine is a vital organ, however, due to its malfunction, some disorders appear, for example, "The irritable bowel syndrome", patients with this syndrome experience pain in the belly, abdominal swelling, changes in the frequency of bowel movements and stool consistency. Physiotherapy uses means that help to cause analgesia. Objective: To verify the effects of TENS and Ultrasound on the symptoms of the individual with irritable bowel syndrome, contributing to the quality of life. Method: TENS was used in the abdominal region in Burst mode with a frequency of 150Hz with amplitude until it caused a slight contraction, for 15 minutes. Ultrasound was used in continuous mode with a frequency of 1MHZ, with a dose of 0.5w / cm2, for 3 minutes in each abdominal region, adding 12 minutes to the total. The treatment was carried out for one month, with 9 sessions. The EVA scale and the IBDQ questionnaire were used. Results: In the intestinal symptoms there was an improvement of 5 points in the IBDQ questionnaire and in the emotional aspect there was an improvement of 9 points and in the emotional aspect it was statistically significant, passing through the Wilcoxon test, P (est.) = 0.031 P (exact) ) = 0.031. On the EVA scale, the mean score before the intervention was 5.6 and at the end 3.6. Conclusion: The physical therapy intervention had positive effects, helping to reduce pain and other symptoms such as:abdominal swelling, decrease in the amount of bowel movements and this improvement helped the individual's emotional state, however a study on the subject is still necessary.

Introducción: El intestino es un órgano vital, sin embargo, su mal funcionamiento puede generar algunos trastornos como el "síndrome del intestino irritable". Los síntomas de estos pacientes son dolor de estómago, hinchazón abdominal y alteración de la frecuencia de las deposiciones y de la consistencia de las heces. La fisioterapia ha presentado medios que favorecen la analgesia. Objetivo: Verificar los efectos de la Estimulación Nerviosa Eléctrica Transcutánea (TENS) y el Ultrasonido (US) en los síntomas del síndrome del intestino irritable. Método: Se utilizó TENS en la región abdominal durante 15 minutos. Los ultrasonidos se utilizaron durante 3 minutos en cada región abdominal, sumando 12 minutos en total. El tratamiento se llevó a cabo durante un mes, con 9 sesiones. Se utilizaron la Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) y el Cuestionario de Enfermedad Inflamatoria Intestinal (IBDQ). Resultados: En los síntomas intestinales hubo una progresión de 5 puntos en el cuestionario IBDQ y en los síntomas emocionales hubo una evolución de 9 puntos, siendo esto, estadísticamente significativo. En la escala VAS, la puntuación media disminuyó de 5,6 a 3,6 al final de la intervención. Conclusión: La intervención fisioterapéutica tuvo efectos positivos y contribuyó a la reducción del dolor y de otros síntomas como: hinchazón abdominal y disminución de la cantidad de deposiciones y esta evolución ayudó a la calidad de vida del voluntario.

Noninvasive Neuroprosthesis Promotes Cardiovascular Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to severe impairment in cardiovascular control, commonly manifested as a rapid, uncontrolled rise in blood pressure triggered by peripheral stimuli-a condition called autonomic dysreflexia. The objective was to demonstrate the translational potential of noninvasive transcutaneous stimulation (TCS) in mitigating autonomic dysreflexia following SCI, using pre-clinical evidence and a clinical case report. In rats with SCI, we show that TCS not only prevents the instigation of autonomic dysreflexia, but also mitigates its severity when delivered during an already-triggered episode. Furthermore, when TCS was delivered as a multisession therapy for 6 weeks post-SCI, the severity of autonomic dysreflexia was significantly reduced when tested in the absence of concurrent TCS. This treatment effect persisted for at least 1 week after the end of therapy. More importantly, we demonstrate the clinical applicability of TCS in treatment of autonomic dysreflexia in an individual with cervical, motor-complete, chronic SCI. We anticipate that TCS will offer significant therapeutic advantages, such as obviating the need for surgery resulting in reduced risk and medical expenses. Furthermore, this study provides a framework for testing the potential of TCS in improving recovery of other autonomic functions such lower urinary tract, bowel, and sexual dysfunction following SCI.

Percutaneous Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (Neuromodulation) for Postoperative Pain: A Randomized, Sham-controlled Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation is an analgesic technique involving the percutaneous implantation of a lead followed by the delivery of electric current using an external pulse generator. Percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation has been used extensively for chronic pain, but only uncontrolled series have been published for acute postoperative pain. The current multicenter study was undertaken to (1) determine the feasibility and optimize the protocol for a subsequent clinical trial and (2) estimate the treatment effect of percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation on postoperative pain and opioid consumption. METHODS: Preoperatively, an electrical lead was percutaneously implanted to target the sciatic nerve for major foot/ankle surgery (e.g., hallux valgus correction), the femoral nerve for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, or the brachial plexus for rotator cuff repair, followed by a single injection of long-acting local anesthetic along the same nerve/plexus. Postoperatively, participants were randomized to 14 days of either electrical stimulation (n = 32) or sham stimulation (n = 34) using an external pulse generator in a double-masked fashion. The dual primary treatment effect outcome measures were (1) cumulative opioid consumption (in oral morphine equivalents) and (2) mean values of the "average" daily pain scores measured on the 0 to 10 Numeric Rating Scale within the first 7 postoperative days. RESULTS: During the first 7 postoperative days, opioid consumption in participants given active stimulation was a median (interquartile range) of 5 mg (0 to 30) versus 48 mg (25 to 90) in patients given sham treatment (ratio of geometric means, 0.20 [97.5% CI, 0.07 to 0.57]; P < 0.001). During this same period, the average pain intensity in patients given active stimulation was a mean ± SD of 1.1 ± 1.1 versus 3.1 ± 1.7 in those given sham (difference, -1.8 [97.5% CI, -2.6 to -0.9]; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation reduced pain scores and opioid requirements free of systemic side effects during at least the initial week after ambulatory orthopedic surgery.

Acute postoperative pain management with percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation: the SPRINT neuromodulation system.

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) may be used to treat acute postoperative pain for various types of surgeries. This modality avoids several limitations of traditional local anesthetic-based peripheral nerve blocks including avoidance of motor blockade and sensory deficits. AREAS COVERED: In this review, we discuss the use of SPRINT (SPR Therapeutics, Cleveland, OH) neuromodulation system in the setting of acute postoperative pain management. EXPERT OPINION: PNS is a novel modality in regional anesthesia that has much promise in reducing overall opioid use after surgery. Placement of PNS is very similar to that of catheter-based regional anesthesia techniques. Ultrasound is used to guide the percutaneously placed introducer needle in proximity to the target nerve. There are several benefits of PNS over catheter-based approaches, including: 1) avoidance of motor or sensory blockade; 2) no medication bag required to be carried; and 3) electric leads may be kept in situ safely for up to 60 days. While several proof-of-concept studies have been published highlighting its use in various types of surgeries, large high-quality randomized controlled trials are still needed.

Effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Therapy on whole Salivary Flow in Patients with Xerostomia and Healthy Adults

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy on whole salivary flow in patients with xerostomia and healthy adults. Material and Methods: Thirty subjects with a history of xerostomia and subjects withunstimulated salivary flow equal to or less than 0.5 ml in 5 min were included in the study group, and 30 healthy subjects were included in the control group. Low forced spitting unstimulated saliva was collected for five minutes in a test tube fitted with a funnel. Then electrode pads of the TENS unit were applied bilaterally on skin overlying the parotid glands and at optimal intensity, stimulated saliva was collected for 5 minutes with the same method in a separate graduated test tube. The salivary flow rate (per minute) was calculated by dividing the amount of collected saliva (volume in mL) by the duration of collection period (5 minutes) and the salivary flow rates prior and after electrostimulation were compared for both groups. The Student's t-test (unpaired and paired) was performed for group-wise comparisons. Results: In study group, the mean unstimulated salivary flow rate was 0.07 ± 0.01 mL/min. There was an 85.71% increase in salivary flow (0.13 ± 0.03 mL/min) during the TENS application and the difference was highly significant (p<0.001). In control group, the mean unstimulated salivary flow rate was 0.37 ± 0.07 mL/min. There was a 21.62% increase in salivary flow (0.45 ± 0.07 mL/min) during the TENS application and the difference was highly significant (p<0.001). An increase in mean salivary flow rate both in males and females after TENS application in both groups (p<0.001) was noted. The difference between unstimulated, stimulated and mean difference in salivary flow rate between males and females was notstatistically significant in both groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: TENS can be an effective therapy in increasing whole salivary flow rates in patients with xerostomia.

Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation enhances learning of novel letter-sound relationships in adults.

BACKGROUND: Reading is a critical skill in modern society but is significantly more difficult to acquire during adulthood. Many adults are required to learn a new orthography after this window closes for personal or vocational reasons and while many programs and training methods exist for learning to read in adulthood, none result in native-like fluency. Implantable cervical vagus nerve stimulation is capable of driving neural plasticity but is invasive and not practical as a reading intervention. OBJECTIVE: The goal of the current study was to evaluate whether non-invasive transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is effective at enhancing novel orthography acquisition in young adults. METHODS: We enrolled 37 typically developing participants and randomly assigned them to a computer control, device sham control, earlobe stimulation control, or experimental transcutaneous auricular stimulation (taVNS) group. Participants then learned novel letter-sound correspondences in Hebrew over five training lessons. Performance was assessed using three measures to evaluate various aspects of reading: Letter ID, Automaticity, and Decoding. RESULTS: The taVNS group significantly outperformed the three control groups on both the Automaticity and Decoding tasks. There was no difference on the Letter ID task. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate, for the first time, that taVNS is capable of improving aspects of reading acquisition in adults. These findings have potential implications for a wide range of cognitive tasks.

Combined effect of laser acupuncture and electroacupuncture in knee osteoarthritis patients: A protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common degenerative joint disorder that affects 250 million people globally. KOA can lead to disability and is often associated with cardiovascular disease, poor quality of life, and mortality. The most common treatment for KOA is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration. However, the analgesic effect is limited and often accompanied by multiple side effects. Hence, many KOA patients opt for complementary and alternative medicine. Acupuncture is one of the most popular complementary treatments with great analgesic effect and minimal side effect. Electroacupuncture (EA) and laser acupuncture (LA) have been known to reduce pain in KOA patients. However, to date, no study has assessed the benefits of combining these two therapies. METHODS: Fifty participants diagnosed with KOA, aged 50 years or older, and with consistent knee pain for more than 3 months were recruited and randomly assigned to the treatment group (EA plus LA) or control group (EA plus sham LA without laser output). All subjects in the treatment group will undergo a combined EA and LA treatment thrice a week for 4 weeks. The acupuncture will be performed on GB33, GB34, SP9, SP10, and ST36 sites. The treatment group will receive acupuncture with a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator at GB33, GB34, SP9, and SP10 sites and with LA at EX-LE5, ST35, and BL40 sites. The subjects in the control group will undergo the same treatment modality as the treatment group, except these subjects will not be exposed to laser output. Outcome measurements will include visual analog scale, Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome, body composition analysis, knee range of motion, quadriceps muscle stiffness, one-leg standing with eyes open test, and the 30-s chair stand test before and after 4 weeks of intervention. OBJECTIVES: This protocol aims to investigate the combined effect of EA and LA in KOA patients.

Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on the Pain Intensity During Insertion of Needle in Patients Undergoing Spinal Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Needle insertion pain during spinal anesthesia is an unpleasant experience for patients. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) on the pain intensity during the insertion of spinal needles in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a double-blind clinical trial, 60 candidates for elective Trans Ureteral Lithotripsy surgery under spinal anesthesia were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The electrodes of the TENS device were placed in the space between L3-L4 and L5-S1 vertebrae. The intensity of pain during insertion of the spinal needle by Visual Analog Scale and the frequency of attempts were recorded. RESULTS: The mean age of the study samples was 34.26 ± 5.07 and 32.8 ± 5.28 in the control and intervention group, respectively. The pain intensity during insertion of spinal needles was less significant in the intervention group compared to the control group (p = 0.001). The number of attempts to insert the spinal needle between the two groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.51). The duration of spinal anesthesia implementation procedure by physician in the intervention group was significantly shorter than that of the control group (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of TENS effectively reduced the pain of spinal needle insertion. Considering these beneficial effects, it is suggested that this procedure be used to relive pain in patients with spinal anesthesia.

17-Year Single Center Retrospective Review of Rate, Risk Factors and Outcomes of Lead Breakage during Sacral Neuromodulation Lead Removal.

PURPOSE: One risk of removal of a tined sacral neuromodulation lead is breakage, resulting in a retained lead fragment. We report lead breakage rates, risk factors and outcomes of retained fragments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report on 464 tined lead removals from 2002 to 2018. Clinical and surgical factors were reviewed and appropriate statistical analysis performed. Retained fragments were reviewed for fragment description and long-term complications. RESULTS: A total of 464 tined lead removals were included, with 35 lead breaks identified, for a rate of 7.5% (35). Factors associated with breakage included male gender (OR 6.58, 95% CI 2.54-17.01, p=0.001) and diabetes (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.05-5.58, p=0.019). A shorter time since implantation was protective (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.76-0.98, p=0.002). There was no difference in breakage rate based on age, weight, history of prior revision, bilateral leads, reason for lead removal, surgical technique or surgeon. Of the 35 breaks 27 had imaging available. Of these 66% (18) broke in the tined region and 81% (22) were ghost leads. Most patients (80%, 28 of 35) with retained lead fragments received another implant. Only 1 patient had a related complication of additional surgery for pain related to the fragment. CONCLUSIONS: There is a low rate of tined lead breakage during lead removal. However, it is higher than the manufacturer estimate. Protective factors include a shorter time between implant and lead revision. The most common location for lead breakage is in the region of the tines, most are ghost fragments and long-term complications are uncommon.

Percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation for acute postoperative pain.

Peripheral nerve stimulation or peripheral neuromodulation is a modality utilized for decades to manage chronic pain. There have been recent studies published describing its use in managing acute surgical pain for orthopedic surgery. The postoperative acute pain associated with several types of surgeries often outlasts the analgesia duration provided by single and continuous peripheral nerve blocks. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation has the potential to provide much longer analgesia for acute pain while avoiding some limitations associated with local anesthetic-based peripheral nerve blocks. We summarize the current devices used in published studies to demonstrate feasibility with a focus on acute pain control.

Estimulação nervosa elétrica transcutânea (TENS) no tratamento da vulvodínia localizada provocada: revisão sistemática / Transcutaneous nervous electric stimulation (TENS) in the treatment of localized provoked vulvodynia: systematic review

Objetivo: Verificar a eficácia da TENS no tratamento de mulheres com vulvodínia localizada provocada. Métodos: Buscou-se, nas bases de dados SciELO, PEDro e PubMed, por estudos que utilizaram a TENS como tratamento da vulvodínia localizada provocada. Resultados: Dos 50 artigos recuperados, três foram analisados: dois ECRs e um estudo de coorte longitudinal não controlado. Conclusão: A TENS pode ser eficaz como uma opção de tratamento na melhora da dor vulvar, sendo uma opção de baixo custo, não invasivo e de fácil manejo; assim como outras terapias combinadas, parece ter um efeito positivo e benéfico no tratamento da vulvodínia localizada provocada. (AU)

Objective: To verify the efficacy of TENS in the treatment of women with localized provoked vulvodynia. Methods: Searched the databases SciELO, PEDro, PubMed, for studies that used TENS as a treatment of localized vulvodynia. Results: Of the 50 articles retrieved, 3 articles were analyzed: 2 RCTs, 1 uncontrolled longitudinal cohort study. Conclusion: The TENS can be effective as a treatment option in improving vulvar pain and is a low-cost, non-invasive and easy to use option, as well as other combined therapies, which appears to have a positive and beneficial effect in the treatment of localized provoked vulvodynia.(AU)

Results of Sacral Neuromodulation Therapy for Urinary Voiding Dysfunction: Five-Year Experience of a Retrospective, Multicenter Study in China.

PURPOSE: This five-year, retrospective, multicenter study evaluated the long-term safety and efficiency of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) in Chinese patients with urinary voiding dysfunction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a Chinese national, multicenter, retrospective study that included 247 patients (51.2% female) who received an implantable pulse generator (IPG) (InterStim, Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) between 2012 and 2016. Success was considered if the initial ≥50% improvement in any of primary voiding diary variables persisted compared with baseline. The results were further stratified by identifying patients who showed >50% improvement and those although showed <50% improvement but still wanted to receive IPG; these data were collected and analyzed for general improvement. RESULTS: Following test stimulation, 187 patients (43%) declined implantation and 247 (57%) underwent implantation using InterStim®. Among 247 patients, 34 (13.7%) had overactive bladder (OAB), 59 (23.8%) had interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), 47 (19%) had idiopathic urinary retention (IUR), and 107 (44.1%) had neurogenic bladder (NB). IPG efficiency rate for OAB, interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, idiopathic urinary retention, and neurogenic bladder were 42.5, 72.4, 51.6, and 58.8%, respectively. The mean duration of follow-up was 20.1 ± 12.8 months. CONCLUSIONS: SNM appears effective in the long term, with a total IPG implantation rate of approximately 57% (ranging between 42.5 and 72.4% depending on indication). Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome appear to be the best indication for stage I testing. Chinese neurogenic bladder patients are most inclined to choose SNM. SNM is relatively safe, with low postoperation adverse events of 16.1% and reoperation rate of 3.2% during the follow-up period.

Burst or Conventional Peripheral Nerve Field Stimulation for Treatment of Neuropathic Facial Pain.

BACKGROUND: Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain (TNP) is a chronic facial pain syndrome caused by a lesion or disease affecting one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve. It may, for example, result from accidental injury to a branch of the trigeminal nerve by trauma or during surgery; it may also be idiopathic. TNP is typically constant, in contrast to most cases of the commoner trigeminal neuralgia. In some cases, pain may be refractory to pharmacological treatment. Peripheral nerve field stimulation is recognized as an effective minimally invasive surgical treatment option for this debilitating condition. To date, stimulation has used conventional tonic waveforms, which generate paraesthesia in the stimulated area. This is the first report of the use of paraesthesia-free burst pattern stimulation for TNP. METHODS: Seven patients were treated at the John Radcliffe Hospital for TNP from 2016 to 2018. Mean duration of preoperative symptoms was five years. All patients had exhausted pharmacological measures to limited effect. The initial three patients had tonic stimulation with the subsequent four having burst stimulation. Outcome was assessed using the numeric pain rating scale preoperatively and postoperatively at three and six months and one year. Side-effects and complications were also assessed as well as reduction in analgesic medication use. RESULTS: All patients achieved pain reduction of at least 50% at 6 months (range 50-100%, mean 81%, p = 0.0082). Those in the burst stimulation group were paraesthesia free. One patient developed a postoperative infection for which the system had to be removed and is awaiting reimplantation. There were no other complications in either group. CONCLUSION: Burst stimulation conferred similar pain control to tonic stimulation in our small cohort, and there were similar reductions in pain medication use. An additional benefit of burst stimulation is freedom from paraesthesia. Larger scale studies are needed to further evaluate burst stimulation and compare its efficacy with that of tonic stimulation.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Subcutaneous Nerve Stimulation for Back Pain Due to Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: The SubQStim Study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness of peripheral nerve stimulation utilizing a subcutaneous lead implant technique-subcutaneous nerve stimulation (SQS) plus optimized medical management (SQS + OMM arm) vs. optimized medical management alone (OMM arm) in patients with back pain due to failed back surgery syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were recruited from 21 centers, in Europe, Israel, and Australia. Eligible patients were randomized (1:1) to SQS + OMM or OMM arms. Those in the SQS arm were implanted with a neurostimulator and up to two subcutaneous percutaneous cylindrical leads in the area of pain. Patients were evaluated pre-randomization and at one, three, six, and nine months post-randomization. The primary endpoint was the proportion of subjects with a ≥50% reduction in back pain intensity ("responder") from baseline to nine months. Secondary outcomes included proportion of responders with a ≥50% reduction in back pain intensity at six months and ≥30% reduction at nine months, and the mean change from baseline in back pain intensity at six and nine months between the two arms. RESULTS: Due to the slow rate of recruitment, the study was terminated early with 116 subjects randomized. A total of 33.9% (19/56, missing: n = 20 [36%]) of subjects in the SQS + OMM arm and 1.7% (1/60, missing: n = 24 [40%]) in the OMM arm were responders at Month 9 (p < 0.0001). Secondary objectives showed a significant difference in favor of SQS + OMM arm. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the addition of SQS to OMM is more effective than OMM alone in relieving low back pain at up to nine months.

Electrical Stimulation and Recovery of Gastrointestinal Function Following Surgery: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: Postoperative ileus occurs in approximately 5-15% of patients following major abdominal surgery, and poses a substantial clinical and economic burden. Electrical stimulation has been proposed as a means to aid postoperative gastrointestinal (GI) recovery, but no methods have entered routine clinical practice. A systematic review was undertaken to assess electrical stimulation techniques and to evaluate their clinical efficacy in order to identify promising areas for future research. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature was searched using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar and by assessing relevant clinical trial databases. Studies investigating the use of electrical stimulation for postoperative GI recovery were included, regardless of methods used or outcomes measured. A critical review was constructed encompassing all included studies and evaluating and synthesizing stimulation techniques, protocols, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: A broad range of neuromodulation strategies and protocols were identified and assessed. Improved postoperative GI recovery following electrical stimulation was reported by 55% of studies (10/18), most commonly those assessing transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and electroacupuncture therapy (7/10). Several studies reported shorter time to first flatus and stool, shorter duration of hospital stay, and reduced postoperative pain. However, inconsistent reporting and limitations in trial design were common, compromising a definitive determination of electrical stimulation efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Electrical stimulation appears to be a promising methodology to aid postoperative GI recovery, but greater attention to mechanisms of action and clinical trial quality is necessary for progress. Future research should also aim to apply validated and standardized gut recovery outcomes and consistent neuromodulation methodologies.

Treatment of chronic osteoarthritic hip pain with phenol neurolysis of the obturator nerve Quadfen1 / Tratamento da dor crônica na osteoartrite do quadril com neurólise do nervo obturador com fenol Quadfen1

The conservative treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip is essentially symptomatic, seeking to relieve pain and optimize function. Despite presenting great clinical effect, hip arthroplasty may have restrictions, and in these situations, the neurolytic blockade of the anterior branch of the obturator nerve can be a therapeutic alternative, since it stops the afferent pain from the hip joint. Objective: To describe the results of treating patients with severe OA of the hip by applying phenol to the obturator nerve. Method: Twelve consecutive patients with OA of the hip, refractory to conservative treatment, were recruited to have the obturator nerve localized through electrostimulation and blocked with phenol. They were evaluated in terms of pain intensity via the visual analogue scale (VAS), pressure dolorimetry in the medial and lateral gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and piriformis, and quality of life by the Harris Hip Score (HHS) at baseline (BL) after 1 (M1), 2 (M2), and 6 months (M6). Results: The patients were between 30 and 72 years old with an avarege of 47.5 ± 1.7 years old, 5 of them were women. Three patients were excluded for not being able to come for follow up evaluations. VAS values vaieded from 8.2 ±.0.9 at BL to 6.6 ± 1.7 at M1, 6.5 ± 1.7 at M2, and 7.3 ± 1 in M6 (p=0.0094). As to the HHS, the values were BL:33.27 ± 2.9; M1:39.2 ± 6.4; M2:40.2 ± 8.1, and M6: 38.8 ± 9.7 in the final evaluation (p=0,040). For dolorimetry, non significant variation was BL: 11±5.7, M1: 7.9±2.2; M2: 10.9±5.6; M6: 8.1 ± 1.6 (p 0.69). Conclusion: The application of phenol to the anterior branch of the obturator nerve can be an alternative in the treatment of severe OA of the hip in patients with restrictions to Total Hip Replacement (THR), since it reduces pain and improves quality of life.

O tratamento conservador da osteoartrite (OA) do quadril é essencialmente sintomático, visando alívio da dor e otimização da funcionalidade. Apesar de apresentar grande efeito clínico, a artroplastia quadril pode ter restrições, nestas situações o bloqueio do ramo anterior do nervo obturador (RAO) pode ser uma alternativa terapêutica, uma vez que interrompe a aferência dolorosa da articulação do quadril. Objetivo: Descrever os resultados do tratamento de pacientes com OA grave do quadril por meio da aplicação de fenol no nervo obturatório. Método: Nove pacientes com OA de quadril resistente ao tratamento conservador que se apresentaram consecutivamente ao nosso serviço foram submetidos à aplicação de fenol no nervo obturatório com localização por meio de eletroestimulação e avaliados quanto a intensidade de dor pela escala visual analógica (EVA), dolorimetria de pressão e qualidade de vida pelo Haris Hip Score (HHS) após 01, 02 e 06 meses. Resultados: Foram selecionados 12 pacientes que preenchiam os critérios de inclusão e exclusão, destes, 3 foram excluídos após não conseguirem mais comparecer para as avaliações. Os valores médios de EVA variaram de 8,2 ±.0,9 na medida basal para 6,6 ± 1,7 ao final de um mês, 6,5 ± 1,7 ao final de dois meses e 7,3 ± 1 com 06 meses (p=0,0094). Quanto ao HHS, os valores foram 33,27 ± 2,9; 39,2 ± 6,4; 40,2 ± 8,1 e 38,8 ± 9,7, na avaliação final. A última variável analisada foi a Dolorimetria, onde foi realizada a média entre os valores atingidos pela avaliação com o dolorímetro no glúteo médio medial, glúteo médio lateral, glúteo mínimo e piriforme. Na avaliação inicial média de 11±5,7, 7,9±2,2 no final do primeiro mês, 10,9±5,6 no segundo e no 6º mês 8,1±1,6. Ao aplicarmos o teste ANOVA, não foi observado diferença estatística (p 0,69). Conclusão: A aplicação de Fenol em RAO pode ser uma alternativa no tratamento da OA de quadril grave em pacientes com restrições à realização de ATQ, pois implica em redução da dor e melhora da qualidade de vida.

Anterior humeral approach with nerve stimulator.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of radial nerve injury during surgery is as high as the prevalence of radial nerve injury due to trauma. The aim of this study is to minimize the risk of iatrogenic injury of radial nerve. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients with middle or distal diaphysis fractures of humerus and 18 patients with pseudoarthrosis at the same localizations were treated with surgery. Plate-screw fixation was performed with anterior approach in 43 patients. Eleven patients had minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis, and 14 patients had intramedullary nailing. The localization of the radial nerve was determined with nerve stimulator at the area of dissection. RESULTS: Iatrogenic radial nerve injury did not occur in patients treated with open reduction or minimally invasive approach. DISCUSSION: Nerve stimulator may be a method that decreases radial nerve injury, an iatrogenic complication. This method may be used in anterior approach and minimally invasive procedures.

Broken Sacral Neuromodulation Lead Migration Into the Sigmoid Colon: A Case Report.

Sacral neuromodulation is an effective treatment of urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and idiopathic urinary retention. The procedure is considered low risk with overall low complication rates. This report describes a 40-year-old woman who underwent sacral neuromodulation explant and full-system implant for weaning efficacy of her device. During device removal, the tined lead broke and was left in situ. Four months later, she was diagnosed as having a wound infection at the site of the retained lead. Imaging revealed lead fragment migration into the sigmoid colon. A colocutaneous fistula was noted soon thereafter. The retained lead was removed during a colonoscopy and the fistula healed. A retained lead can result in migration through the peritoneum and into the colon. This can be managed with assistance from colorectal or gastroenterology consultants.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation reduces sludge in the popliteal vein.

BACKGROUND: The common peroneal nerve stimulator (CPNS) is a UK-approved device for reducing venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk. It resembles a wrist watch and is placed over the common peroneal nerve, discharging electricity at a rate of 1 impulse/s. It has been presumed that as blood flow slows, erythrocytes aggregate into ultrasound-detectable echogenic particles, described as venous sludge. The aim of the study was to determine whether the CPNS reduces venous sludge by using an ultrasound-derived gray-scale (0-255) venous sludge index (VSI). METHODS: Twenty-five healthy volunteers had their right popliteal vein video recorded using B-mode ultrasound at 22 frames/s in longitudinal and transverse views, standing and lying. This was performed first with the CPNS off and then with the CPNS on. The CPNS impulse intensity used was set from 1 to 7 for each individual, and the level was sufficient to cause an outward jerking movement of the foot. A single frame of the possible 154 frames, lasting 7 seconds, was selected using a random number generator for the image analysis. The "brightness" of the erythrocyte aggregates (pixels) within a circular sampling area was quantified using the VSI. The brighter the sample, the greater the sludge. RESULTS: Values are expressed as median (interquartile range). On standing with the device off, there was a significantly higher VSI (P < .0005) compared with lying (longitudinal view, 27.7 [18.8-41.4] vs 11.7 [5.5-17.5]; transverse view, 20.7 [13.6-32.2] vs 11.4 [6.3-15.9]). Activation of the CPNS significantly reduced all the VSI values (P < .0005) shown (longitudinal view, 2 [1.1-3.2] and 1.5 [0.5-3.1]; transverse view, 1.1 [0.6-2.7] and 0.8 [0.5-2.1]). CONCLUSIONS: The CPNS device significantly reduces venous sludge within the popliteal vein irrespective of whether the subject is standing or lying down or of the longitudinal or transverse position of the ultrasound transducer. The principal mode of action of the device in the claim that it may reduce venous thromboembolism risk may be through a reduction of venous sludge. However, the relationship between erythrocyte aggregation, venous stasis, and venous thromboembolism risk requires more investigation.