Lacrimal dilator-facilitated incisionless vs. standard sub-Tenon's block: a randomized, prospective and non-inferiority comparative study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Standard sub-Tenon's block (STB) involves incision (dissection) of conjunctiva and Tenon's capsule with the help of blunt scissors and forceps, insertion of a blunt sub-Tenon's cannula under the Tenon's capsule and injection of local anaesthetic agent. STB is frequently associated with minor complications such as chemosis and postoperative subconjunctival haemorrhage but rare sight and life-threatening complications. To reduce these minor complications, several variations of incisionless STB have been described however, there are no comparative data. One such incisionless STB involves the use of lacrimal dilator which is easily available in the operating theatre. We compared incisionless lacrimal dilator-facilitated with the standard STB for effectiveness, chemosis, and postoperative subconjunctival haemorrhage. SUBJECTS/METHODS: After obtaining ethical approval, patients scheduled to undergo elective phacoemulsification cataract surgery were enroled to receive incisionless lacrimal dilator-facilitated STB (Group LD) or a standard STB using Wescott scissors and blunt forceps (Group WS). All patients received 3 mL 2% lidocaine without any adjuvant. No sedation was administered. Demographics of the patients, duration of the procedure, analgesia, akinesia, duration of the procedure intraoperative chemosis, and postoperative subconjunctival haemorrhage were compared. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable for demographic data, duration of the procedure, analgesia, and akinesia (p > 0.05). The severity of chemosis and postoperative subconjunctival haemorrhage were significantly lower in Group LD (n = 32) in comparison to Group WS (n = 31) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Incisionless lacrimal dilator-facilitated STB decreases intraoperative chemosis and postoperative conjunctival haemorrhage in comparison to standard STB. Analgesia and akinesia are comparable in both techniques.

Effect of pterygopalatine blockade on perioperative stress and inflammatory outcomes following paediatric cataract surgery.

BACKGROUND: General anesthesia is required to perform pediatric cataract surgery. To reduce severity of surgical intervention and postoperative complications, regional techniques have been concomitantly used. The traditional regional ophthalmic techniques are retrobulbar, peribulbar and sub-Tenon blocks, which present some technical difficulties and associated complication risks. The pterygopalatine blockade has been exempt of many of these concerns as it is performed out of the orbit. The purpose of this study was to compare the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the pterygopalatine blockade with retrobulbar block in children undergoing elective congenital cataract surgery. METHODS: After approval of ethics committee and informed consents, patients were enrolled to the study to have either ultrasound-guided pterygopalatine block (group P) or retrobulbar block (group R), with 2 mL lidocaine 2% and 1 mL ropivacaine 0.5%. Hemodynamic monitoring was recorded throughout the perioperative period. Cortisol level and oxidation-reduction status were assessed before and after surgery. Pain and inflammatory response (Tyndall effect, corneal syndrome and edema) were assessed on the first postoperative day. RESULTS: Comparative analysis demonstrated a decrease in cortisol of 123.24% (p˂0.05) and an increase in the redox coefficient of 37.7% (p˂0.05) in group P. Pain intensity was significantly higher in group R until the 16th postoperative hour. The corneal syndrome in patients in group P and group R was noted by 7.6% and in 32.1%, respectively (p˂0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of the pterygopalatine blockade as a component of anesthesia in pediatric cataract surgery allows reduction of the severity of surgical stress during surgical intervention, providing intraoperative hemodynamic stability and prolonged analgesia.

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 efficacy of intra-articular lidocaine administration in chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis: A randomized, double-blind, controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Intra-articular injections for the treatment of knee pain due to osteoarthritis are performed when conservative therapies have failed. The intra-articular injection of lidocaine may be an effective treatment modality due to its neuronal membrane-stabilizing effect and long-lasting anti-inflammatory action. In this study, we compared the efficacy of intra-articular 0.5% lidocaine versus saline injection on pain, stiffness and physical function in patients with osteoarthritis. METHODS: Patients with osteoarthritis were randomly allocated to two groups. Group I (n=26) received 7mL 0.5% lidocaine and group II (n=26) received 7mL saline into the painful knee for a series of three injections spaced by 1 week intervals under ultrasound guidance. Knee pain was measured with a numeric rating score (NRS) at baseline and 3 months after the 3rd injection. WOMAC scales, including pain (WOMAC-P), stiffness (WOMAC-S) and physical function (WOMAC-F), were assessed and recorded at baseline, 30minutes after the 1st injection, immediately prior to the 2nd and 3rd injections and 3 months after the 3rd injection. RESULTS: Demographic data were comparable between groups. The NRS after 3 months was significantly lower in group I (P=0.001). The WOMAC-P, immediately prior to the 3rd injection and 3 months afterwards, was significantly lower in group I (P=0.006, P=0.001, respectively). The WOMAC-S was improved prior to the 3rd injection and sustained until 3 months in group I (P=0.035, P=0.004, respectively). The WOMAC-F was improved after the 1st injection and sustained until 3 months in group I (P=0.002, P<0.0001 and P<0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Intra-articular 0.5% lidocaine injection under ultrasound guidance has a potential role in the management of chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis for a 3-month period.

Sugammadex given for rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade in infants: a retrospective study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sugammadex in reversing profound neuromuscular block induced by rocuronium in infant patients. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. SETTING: University teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Twenty-six infants (2-12 months of age; 3-11 kg) with an American Society of Anesthesiologists classification I, II, or III who were scheduled to undergo neurosurgical procedures were included in the study. INTERVENTIONS: Anesthesia was induced with 5 mg/kg thiopental, 1 µg/kg fentanyl and 0.6 mg/kg rocuronium. Sevoflurane was administered to all patients after intubation. METHODS: The neuromuscular block was monitored with acceleromyography using train-of-four (TOF) stimuli. Patients received additional doses of rocuronium to maintain a deep block during surgery. If profound neuromuscular block (TOF, 0) persisted at the end of the surgery, 3mg/kg sugammadex was administered. MEASUREMENTS: The demographic data, surgeries, and anesthetic agents were recorded. The time from sugammadex administration to recovery of neuromuscular function (TOF ratio, >0.9) and complications during and after extubation were also recorded. MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-six infants who had a deep neuromuscular block (TOF, 0) at the end of surgery received 3 mg/kg sugammadex. The mean recovery time of the T4/T1 ratio of 0.9 was 112 seconds. No clinical evidence of recurarization or residual curarization was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy and safety of sugammadex were confirmed in infant surgical patients for reversal of deep neuromuscular block induced by rocuronium.

Preoperative paracetamol improves post-cesarean delivery pain management: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the analgesic effect of preoperative single dose intravenous paracetamol on postoperative pain and analgesic consumption within 24hours after elective cesarean surgery. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. SETTING: University Teaching Hospital. PATIENTS: American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I and II 60 patients between 18-40years of age who were scheduled to undergo elective cesarean section. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized into two groups to receive either intravenous 1g paracetamol (100mL) (Group P) or 0.9% NaCl solution (100mL) (Group C) 15minutes before the induction of general anesthesia. After delivery of newborn 0.15mg kg(-1) morphine was administered to all patients in both groups. Postoperative analgesia was provided with patient-controlled intravenous analgesia with morphine in the postoperative period. MEASUREMENTS: Pain which is the primary outcome measure was assessed at 15th, 30th minutes and 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 12th, 24th hours by the Visual Analogue Scale. Patients' demographics, hemodynamics, Apgar score, additional analgesic requirement, side effects, patients' satisfaction and postoperative total morphine consumption within 24hours were recorded. MAIN RESULTS: Median visual analogue scale for pain in Group P was significantly lower compared to Group C at all time points except for the score at 24th h postoperatively (P<.05). Additional analgesic requirement during postoperative first hour was lower in Group P (P<.05). Total morphine consumption was higher in Group C compared with Group P (P<.05). There was no difference between groups with respect to Apgar scores, side effects, and patient satisfaction (P>.05). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative use of single-dose intravenous 1g paracetamol was found to be effective in reducing the severity of pain and opioid requirements within 24hours after cesarean section.

Comparison of the postoperative analgesic effects of naproxen sodium and naproxen sodium-codeine phosphate for arthroscopic meniscus surgery / Comparação dos efeitos analgésicos pós-operatórios de naproxeno sódico e naproxeno sódico-fosfato de codeína em artroscopia de menisco

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently used to control arthroscopic pain. Addition of oral effective opioid "codeine" to NSAIDs may be more effective and decrease parenteral opioid consumption in the postoperative period. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and side effects of naproxen sodium and a new preparation naproxen sodium-codeine phosphate when administered preemptively for arthroscopic meniscectomy. METHODS: Sixty-one patients were randomized into two groups to receive either oral naproxen sodium (Group N) or naproxen sodium-codeine phosphate (Group NC) before surgery. The surgery was carried out under general anesthesia. Intravenous meperidine was initiated by patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for all patients. The primary outcome measure was pain score at the first postoperative hour assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Sedation assessed by Ramsey Sedation Scale, first demand time of PCA, postoperative meperidine consumption, side effects and hemodynamic data were also recorded. RESULTS: The groups were demographically comparable. Median VAS scores both at rest and on movement were significantly lower in Group NC compared with Group N, except 18th hour on movement (p < 0.05). The median time to the first demand of PCA was shorter in Group N compared with Group NC (p < 0.001). Meperidine consumption was higher in Group N compared with Group NC (p < 0.001). There was no difference between groups with respect to side effects (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of naproxen sodium-codeine phosphate provided more effective analgesia than naproxen sodium and did not increase side effects.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Os anti-inflamatórios não esteroides (AINEs) são frequentemente usados para controlar a dor após artroscopia. A adição de um opiáceo oral eficaz (codeína) aos AINEs pode ser mais efetiva e diminuir o consumo de opiáceo parenteral no pós-operatório. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a eficácia e os efeitos colaterais de naproxeno sódico e uma nova preparação, naproxeno sódico-fosfato de codeína, quando administrados preventivamente para meniscectomia artroscópica. MÉTODOS: Foram randomicamente divididos em dois grupos 61 pacientes para receber naproxeno sódico por via oral (Grupo N) ou naproxeno sódico-fosfato de codeína (Grupo NC) antes da cirurgia. A cirurgia foi feita sob anestesia geral. Meperidina intravenosa foi iniciada por meio de analgesia controlada pelo paciente (ACP) para todos os pacientes. O desfecho primário foi o escore de dor na primeira hora de pós-operatório, avaliada com a escala visual snalógica (EVA). A sedação foi avaliada com a escala de sedação de Ramsey. A primeira demanda de ACP, o consumo de meperidina no pós-operatório, os efeitos colaterais e os dados hemodinâmicos também foram registrados. RESULTADOS: Os grupos foram demograficamente comparáveis. As medianas dos escores EVA tanto em repouso quanto em movimento foram significativamente menores no Grupo NC comparado com o Grupo N; exceto para movimento na avaliação de 18 horas (p < 0,05). A mediana do tempo até a primeira demanda de ACP foi menor no Grupo N em comparação com o Grupo NC (p < 0,001). O consumo de meperidina foi maior no Grupo N em comparação com o Grupo NC (p < 0,001). Não houve diferença entre os grupos em relação aos efeitos colaterais (p > 0,05). CONCLUSÕES: A combinação de naproxeno sódico-fosfato de codeína forneceu analgesia mais efetiva que naproxeno sódico, sem aumentar os efeitos colaterais.

Comparison of the postoperative analgesic effects of naproxen sodium and naproxen sodium-codeine phosphate for arthroscopic meniscus surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently used to control arthroscopic pain. Addition of oral effective opioid "codeine" to NSAIDs may be more effective and decrease parenteral opioid consumption in the postoperative period. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and side effects of naproxen sodium and a new preparation naproxen sodium-codeine phosphate when administered preemptively for arthroscopic meniscectomy. METHODS: Sixty-one patients were randomized into two groups to receive either oral naproxen sodium (Group N) or naproxen sodium-codeine phosphate (Group NC) before surgery. The surgery was carried out under general anesthesia. Intravenous meperidine was initiated by patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for all patients. The primary outcome measure was pain score at the first postoperative hour assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Sedation assessed by Ramsey Sedation Scale, first demand time of PCA, postoperative meperidine consumption, side effects and hemodynamic data were also recorded. RESULTS: The groups were demographically comparable. Median VAS scores both at rest and on movement were significantly lower in Group NC compared with Group N, except 18(th) hour on movement (p<0.05). The median time to the first demand of PCA was shorter in Group N compared with Group NC (p<0.001). Meperidine consumption was higher in Group N compared with Group NC (p<0.001). There was no difference between groups with respect to side effects (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of naproxen sodium-codeine phosphate provided more effective analgesia than naproxen sodium and did not increase side effects.

[Comparison of the postoperative analgesic effects of naproxen sodium and naproxen sodium-codeine phosphate for arthroscopic meniscus surgery]. / Comparação dos efeitos analgésicos pós-operatórios de naproxeno sódico e naproxeno sódico-fosfato de codeína em artroscopia de menisco.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently used to control arthroscopic pain. Addition of oral effective opioid "codeine" to NSAIDs may be more effective and decrease parenteral opioid consumption in the postoperative period. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and side effects of naproxen sodium and a new preparation naproxen sodium-codeine phosphate when administered preemptively for arthroscopic meniscectomy. METHODS: Sixty-one patients were randomized into two groups to receive either oral naproxen sodium (Group N) or naproxen sodium-codeine phosphate (Group NC) before surgery. The surgery was carried out under general anesthesia. Intravenous meperidine was initiated by patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for all patients. The primary outcome measure was pain score at the first postoperative hour assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Sedation assessed by Ramsey Sedation Scale, first demand time of PCA, postoperative meperidine consumption, side effects and hemodynamic data were also recorded. RESULTS: The groups were demographically comparable. Median VAS scores both at rest and on movement were significantly lower in Group NC compared with Group N, except 18(th) hour on movement (p<0.05). The median time to the first demand of PCA was shorter in Group N compared with Group NC (p<0.001). Meperidine consumption was higher in Group N compared with Group NC (p<0.001). There was no difference between groups with respect to side effects (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of naproxen sodium-codeine phosphate provided more effective analgesia than naproxen sodium and did not increase side effects.

Effect of low dose dexmedetomidine premedication on propofol consumption in geriatric end stage renal disease patients / Efeito da pré-medicação com dose baixa de dexmedetomidina sobre o consumo de propofol em pacientes geriátricos com doença renal em estágio terminal

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Sedation in dialysis dependent end-stage renal disease patients requires caution as a result of performing high doses of sedatives and its complications. Multidrug sedation regimens might be superior and advantage on lesser drug consumption and by the way adverse events which occur easily in end-stage renal disease patients. We evaluated the effects of dexmedetomidine premedication on propofol consumption, sedation levels with Observer's Assessment of Alertness and Sedation scores and the bispectral index and the hemodynamic changes, potential side effects in geriatric patients with end-stage renal disease who underwent hip fracture surgery under spinal anesthesia.METHOD: In this randomized, controlled, double-blind study 60 elderly patients (age ≥ 65 years) with end-stage renal disease and hip fracture scheduled for anterograde femoral intramedullary nailing were assigned to groups that received either intravenous saline infusion (Group C) or dexmedetomidine 0.5 g/kg/10 min infusion for premedication (Group D). All the patients received propofol infusion after the induction of the spinal anesthesia.RESULTS: Total propofol consumption, propofol dose required for targeted sedation levels according to Observer's Assessment of Alertness and Sedation scores and bispectral index levels, recovery times were significantly lower in Group D (p < 0.001). The time to reach to Observer's Assessment of Alertness and Sedation score 4 and to achieve bispectral index ≤ 80 was significantly lower in Group C compared with Group D (p < 0.001). Adverse events were similar in both groups.CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine premedication lowers intraoperative propofol consumption to maintain targeted level of sedation. Therefore low dose dexmedetomidine premedication in addition to propofol infusion might be an alternative in geriatric patients with end-stage renal disease for sedation.

RESUMOJUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVO: A sedação em paciente dependente de diálise com doença renal em estágio terminal (DRET) requer cautela como resultado da administração de altas doses de sedativos e suas complicações. Os regimes de sedação com múltiplas drogas podem ser superiores e vantajosos em relação ao consumo menor de drogas e aos eventos adversos que ocorrem facilmente em pacientes com DEET. Avaliamos os efeitos da pré-medicação com dexmedetomidina sobre o consumo de propofol, os níveis de sedação com os escores da Observer's Assessment of Alertness and Sedation (OAA/S) e do índice bispectral (BIS), as alterações hemodinâmicas e os potenciais efeitos colaterais em pacientes geriátricos com DRET submetidos à cirurgia para fratura de quadril sob raquianestesia.MÉTODO: Neste estudo randômico, controlado e duplo-cego, 60 pacientes idosos (idade ≥ 65 anos), com DRET e fratura de quadril, agendados para fixação intramedular de haste femoral anterógrada foram designados para grupos para receberam infusão intravenosa de solução salina (Grupo C) ou pré-medicação com infusão de 0,5 mg kg/10 min de dexmedetomidina (DEX) (Grupo D). Todos os pacientes receberam infusão de propofol após a indução da raquianestesia.RESULTADOS: O consumo total de propofol, a dose de propofol necessária para os níveis-alvo de sedação de acordo com os escores da OAA/S, os valores do BIS e os tempos de recuperação foram significativamente menores no Grupo D (p < 0,001). O tempo para atingir o escore 4 na OAA/S e valores BIS ≤ 80 foi significativamente inferior no Grupo C em comparação com o Grupo D (p < 0,001). Os eventos adversos foram semelhantes em ambos os grupos.CONCLUSÃO: A pré-medicação com dexmedetomidina reduz o consumo de propofol no intraoperatório para manter o nível-alvo de sedação. Portanto, a pré-medicação com DEX em dose baixa em combinação com infusão de propofol pode ser uma opção para sedação em pacientes geriátricos com DRET.

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.

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.

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.

Pain management in blind, painful eyes: clinical experience with retrobulbar alcohol injection in 4 cases.

Ocular pain is often difficult to treat and may be caused by many eye diseases. The first step in pain management is medical therapy combined with analgesics; however, severe and resistant cases may require neurolytic eye blocks or definitive surgery. Retrobulbar block with neurolytic agents such as alcohol may be preferred, if the eye is cosmetically normal or the patient is medically or psychologically unsuitable for enucleation or evisceration. Here, we present our successful and efficient pain management using retrobulbar alcohol injection in 4 patients with painful blind eyes. Patients with neovascular glaucoma presenting with painful blind eyes were accepted to our clinic for pain management. The patients had continuous pain with an increasing severity in the recent months. We planned to perform retrobulbar alcohol injection as the pain of the patients was resistant to medical therapy. We noted measurement of verbal analogue scale for pain (VAS) before the block (7, 9, 9 and 10, respectively), after retrobulbar lidocaine and alcohol injection, at the postoperative 1st day, 1st, 2nd 3rd and 4th weeks, and 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 12th months. Early and late complications were also recorded. On the first day after injection, no patient required additive analgesic therapy and their VAS scores were 0, 0, 0, and 3, respectively. Except for one patient who underwent enucleation because of a bacterial infection, the other three patients' VAS scores were 1, 0 and 1 at the 12th month assessment. We suggest that neurolytic retrobulbar block is an efficient pain management strategy in blind painful eyes.

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.

A treatment option for post-injection sciatic neuropathy: transsacral block with methylprednisolone.

BACKGROUND: Accidental intraneural injection induced nerve injury is an iatrogenic tragedy and intramuscular injection (IM) is the most common injury mechanism affecting the sciatic nerve. The most frequent presentation of sciatic nerve injury includes radicular pain and paresthesia with almost immediate onset of variable motor and sensory deficit. OBJECTIVES: Intraneural injection is a common injury mechanism of the sciatic nerve and generates neuropathic pain with inflammatory neuritis. Steroids inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators and reduce ectopic discharges on damaged neural membranes. The results of transsacral steroid injection on neuropathic pain in 5 patients with accidental sciatic nerve injury due to intraneural injection were presented in this report. DESIGN: Report of 5 cases. DESCRIPTION OF CASES: Five patients, 32, 34, 45, 54 and 70 years old respectively, complaining of severe neuropathic pain, paresthesia and progressive weakness of the lower extremity with difficulty in walking secondary to gluteal injection were admitted to the clinic. The symptoms were resistant to drug therapies. Electromyography disclosed axonal damage of the sciatic nerve. The initial examination of the patients revealed a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) of 10, 10, 9, 9, and 10 respectively. RESULTS: Diagnostic block was performed through the unilateral S1-S2-S3 sacral foramina with 22-G spinal needle by 5 mL 1% lidocaine into each foramen. NRS scores decreased to 1, 2, 2, 2 and 1, respectively. One week later, the patients were administered 80 mg methylprednisolone with 1% lidocaine in 15 mL solution shared equally in each foramen. The patients were checked one month after therapeutic block and a full recovery was achieved in all patients. CONCLUSION: The neuropathic pain due to accidental intraneural injection of the sciatic nerve would be an acceptable indication for transsacral nerve block with corticosteroids in the treatment of sciatic neuropathic pain symptoms.