Introduction of pulsed radiofrequency cautery in infraorbital nerve block method for postoperative pain management of trauma-induced zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture reduction.

Although various cases of neuralgia and its treatments have been reported, not enough evidence is present to recommend a single type of treatment as the most effective. The patient we have dealt with experienced significant interferences in his daily life due to chronic allodynia, but the symptom could not be resolved via previously reported treatments. We report a case of which a patient who presented infraorbital neuralgia after trauma was successfully treated by a novel treatment strategy. The patient was treated by applying infraorbital nerve block and pulsed radiofrequency cautery side by side. Through this report, we evaluate proper prevention and treatment strategies for patients who develop infraorbital neuralgia through similar etiologies.

Effect of fentanyl nasal packing treatment on patients with acute postoperative pain after closed reduction of nasal bone fracture: a randomized double-blind controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Nasal bone fracture reduction surgery is normally followed by nasal packing to control bleeding. Yet, patients suffer from pain and require further analgesic treatments following nasal packing and removal. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of fentanyl-soaked packing as a method of controlling pain after nasal surgeries in a prospective, randomized, double-blind controlled trial. METHODS: Sixty-five patients that have undergone closed nasal bone fracture reduction surgery were included in this study. Thirty-two patients were treated postoperatively with 50 mcg fentanyl-soaked Merocel®, a biodegradable synthetic polyurethane foams packing, and the other 33 patients were treated with saline-soaked packings. To analyze the relative nasal pain control effect of fentanyl, Numeric Rating Scale, patient satisfaction and Ramsay Sedation Scale were used. Patients were closely monitored to record relevant cardiopulmonary indicators and degree of adverse symptoms such as headache or sore throat. RESULTS: Fentanyl group had a significantly lower Numeric Rating Scale and higher patient satisfaction for most of the time periods after operation (p < .05). Symptoms of headache and sore throat were also significantly reduced. Ramsay Sedation Scale scores improved compared to the control group (p < .05). No significant differences in cardiopulmonary relevant indicators between the two experimental groups were observed (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Fentanyl-soaked packing significantly decreased postoperative pain with no observable adverse effects. Our results demonstrate that topical fentanyl application to nasal packing is an effective method of postoperative pain control after closed nasal bone fracture reduction surgery.

Effect of Fentanyl Nasal Packing Treatment on Patients With Acute Postoperative Pain After Nasal Operation: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: Nasal packing is an option for bleeding control after endoscopic sinus surgery and septoplasty. Although new packing materials have been developed, patients still suffer from pain and require additional analgesics treatments. In this study, a prospective, randomized, and double-blind controlled trial was designed to evaluate the effect of fentanyl-soaked packing on pain after endoscopic sinus surgery and septoplasty. METHODS: One hundred fifty-two patients who underwent nasal surgeries due to chronic rhinosinusitis or nasal septal deviation were enrolled in this study. At the end of operation, 50 mcg fentanyl-soaked biodegradable synthetic polyurethane foams packing Nasopore or Merocel were applied to a group of 79 patients, and saline-soaked ones were applied to another group of 73 patients. To evaluate the influence of fentanyl on postoperative nasal pain, patients' conditions were assessed via means of Numeric Rating Scale, patient satisfaction, and Ramsay Sedation Scale. In addition, symptoms of headache or sore throat and any signs of cardiopulmonary-relevant indicators were monitored. RESULTS: The fentanyl group had significantly decreased Numeric Rating Scale and increased patient satisfaction in every operation type for the majority of postoperative time periods ( P < .05) with reduced postoperative headache and sore throat compared to the control group. The fentanyl group showed a higher score on Ramsay Sedation Scale than the control group ( P < .05 in group including endoscopic sinus surgery). There were no significant differences in cardiopulmonary-relevant indicators between the 2 groups ( P > .05). CONCLUSION: Fentanyl group showed significantly reduced postoperative pain without serious adverse effects. We suggest that topical fentanyl application to nasal packs can be a useful method to reduce pain during the early postoperative period after endoscopic sinus surgery and septoplasty.

Cerebrospinal fluid infection after lumbar nerve root steroid injection: a case report.

A 45-year-old woman was admitted due to severe headache and neck stiffness. She had visited a local clinic for back pain and received a lumbar nerve root steroid injection 10 days before admission. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed psoas abscess, pneumocephalus, and subdural hygroma. She was diagnosed with psoas abscess and meningitis. The abscess and external ventricle were drained, and antibiotics were administered. Unfortunately, the patient died on hospital day 19 due to diffuse leptomeningitis. Lumbar nerve root steroid injections are commonly used to control back pain. Vigilance to "red flag signs" and a rapid diagnosis can prevent lethal outcomes produced by rare and unexpected complications related to infection. Here, we report a case of fatal meningitis after infection of the cerebrospinal fluid following a lumbar nerve root steroid injection.