G.K. Talu

The effects of three different analgesia techniques on long-term postthoracotomy pain.

In this clinical, randomized, prospective study, we compared the effects of three different analgesia techniques (thoracic epidural analgesia [TEA] with and without preoperative initiation and IV patient-controlled analgesia [IV-PCA]) on postthoracotomy pain in 69 patients. In two groups, a thoracic epidural catheter was inserted preoperatively. Group Pre-TEA had bupivacaine and morphine solution preoperatively and intraoperatively. Postoperative analgesia was maintained with epidural PCA with a similar solution. Group Post-TEA, with no intraoperative medication, had the same postoperative analgesia as Group Pre-TEA plus the bolus dose. Group IV-PCA received only IV-PCA with morphine for postoperative analgesia. Pain was evaluated every 4 h during the first 48 h at rest, cough, and movement. Pre-TEA was associated with decreased pain compared with the other groups. Six months later, the patients were asked about their pain. The incidence and the intensity of pain were most frequent in Group IV-PCA (78%) and were the least in Group Pre-TEA (45%) (Group Pre-TEA versus Group IV-PCA, P = 0.0233; Group Pre-TEA versus Group IV-PCA, P = 0.014). Patients having pain on the second postoperative day had 83% chronic pain. TEA with preoperative initiation is a preferable method in preventing acute and long-term thoracotomy pain.

The Efficacy and Safety of Venlafaxine in the Prophylaxis of Migraine

Objective.—To evaluate the efficacy and safety of venlafaxine in the prophylaxis of migraine.

Comparison of pulsed radiofrequency with conventional radiofrequency in the treatment of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia

The aim of this prospective, randomized, double‐blinded study was to evaluate the effect of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) in comparison with conventional radiofrequency (CRF) in the treatment of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia. A total of 40 patients with idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia were included. The 20 patients in each group were randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups. Each patient in the Group 1 was treated with CRF, whereas each patient in the Group 2 was treated by PRF. Evaluation parameters were: pain intensity using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), patient satisfaction using a Patient Satisfaction Scale (PSS), additional pharmacological treatment, side effects, and complications related to the technique. The VAS scores decreased significantly (p<0.001) and PSS improved significantly after the procedure in Group 1. The VAS score decreased in only 2 of 20 patients from the PRF group (Group 2) and pain recurrence occurred 3 months after the procedure. At the end of 3 months, we decided to perform CRF in Group 2, because all patients in this group still had intractable pain. After the CRF treatment, the median VAS score decreased (p<0.001) and PSS improved (p<0.001) significantly. In conclusion, the results of our study demonstrate that unlike CRF, PRF is not an effective method of pain treatment for idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia.

Neurotoxicity of midazolam in the rabbit

Safe and efficient use of spinal drugs requires neurotoxicologic animal studies before ethical application. We have evaluated the neurotoxicologic interruptions of intrathecal administration of midazolam in rabbits. Eighteen white New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned into three groups consisting of six rabbits each. In conscious animals, 0.3 ml 0.9% normal saline solution, 0.3 ml 0.1% midazolam (Roche, Dormicum) or 0.3 ml preservative free midazolam were intrathecally administered. Light and fluorescence microscopy evaluations were performed on transverse spinal cord sections by a neurohistopathologist in a blind fashion. Midazolam and preservative free midazolam treated rabbits showed significant histologic changes in light and fluorescence microscopy. The histologic and vascular lesions with the use of midazolam and preservative free midazolam suggested neurotoxic effects; thus chronic intrathecal administration of midazolam should be avoided in humans.

Efficacy of coeliac plexus and splanchnic nerve blockades in body and tail located pancreatic cancer pain

Palliative treatment, pain therapy and quality of life (QOL) are very important in pancreatic cancer patients. We evaluated the pain relieving efficacy, side effects and effects on QOL of neurolytic coeliac plexus blockade (NCPB) and splanchnic nerves neurolytic blockade (SNB) in body and tail located pancreatic cancer.

Transdiscal approach for hypogastric plexus block.

Background and Objectives In this study, we have performed hypogastric plexus block using a posterior transdiscal approach in 20 patients diagnosed with pelvic pain because of cancer. Methods The L5-S1 interdiscal space was identified with fluoroscopy. A needle attached to a 5-mL syringe was introduced through the disc and advanced under lateral fluoroscopic control until resistance was lost. After verifying proper position, 5 mL of 10% aqueous phenol was administered through the needle. After drawing back the needle, cephazolin 50 mg in 1 mL was administered to the disc to prevent discitis. The visual analog scale (VAS) values, daily analgesic requirements, and patient satisfaction were evaluated before the procedure, at 24 hours and then every month for 3 months after the procedure. Results Disc puncture was performed without difficulty in all patients, there were no complications associated with disc puncture such as discitis or disc rupture. Twelve patients had statistically significant pain relief immediately after the block (P < .05). Fifteen patients were satisfied after the block, and their daily analgesic requirement decreased significantly. No pain relief was observed in 5 patients. Conclusions Transdiscal approach to the hypogastric plexus appears to be a safe and effective procedure. However, prospective randomized controlled studies comparing different approaches are needed to increase our knowledge of hypogastric plexus block.

Complications of Epidural Neuroplasty: A Retrospective Evaluation

Percutaneous epidural neuroplasty (lysis of epidural adhesions, epidural application of hypertonic saline) is an interventional technique for the management of pain due to spinal disorders. Epidural neuroplasty is found to be effective in removing fibrous tissue occurring in the epidural space for various reasons, however, the procedure may be prone to serious complications. We present here our retrospectively collected complications and precautions of complications of epidural neuroplasty in 250 patients. Neuroplasty, as per the technique of Racz et al., was only considered in patients suffering from low back and cervical pain after conservative treatments had been tried and had failed. Possible known complications include bending of the tip of the introducer needle, shearing/tearing of the catheter, misplacement of the catheter, inadvertent blockage of the catheter or catheter tip, migration of the catheter, hypotension, respiratory depression, urinary and/or fecal incontinence, urinary hesitancy, sexual dysfunction, paresthesia, epidural abscess, and meningitis. We found the following complications in our series: the tips of the introducer needle were bent in 12 patients; catheter sheaths were torn during withdrawal through the needle in three patients; 39 patients had bleeding or aspiration of blood from the epidural space; eight patients had their catheters migrate into an epidural vein; one patients catheter migrated into the prevertebral space during the procedure; there were dural punctures in 11 patients; there were catheter blockages in six patients during consecutive applications of neuroplasty; hypotension was seen during and after drug injections in 12 patients, there was hypotension in one patient; three patients had migration and penetration of their catheters into the dura after placement and in consecutive days; 25 patients experienced numbness in dermatomal areas of the upper and lower extremities depending the level of the procedure; and there were eight infections at the entry site of the catheter, three epidural abscesses, and two patients with meningitis. In order to prevent complications such as those seen, epidural neuroplasty procedures must be performed in well‐equipped centers by experienced hands.

Superior cluneal nerve entrapment

Background and Objectives Pain due to superior cluneal nerve entrapment is an infrequent cause of unilateral low back pain. Here we present a case of acute unilateral low back pain treated by superior cluneal nerve (SCN) block. Case Report A 55-year-old woman presented to the outpatient clinic suffering from unilateral low back pain localized to right iliac crest and radiating to the right buttock. Her history was taken, physical examination was performed, and a thorough radiologic evaluation was performed to minimize radiculopathy and facet syndromes as causative. After transient pain relief with a diagnostic trigger point injection, entrapment of SCN was diagnosed and therapeutic nerve block with local anesthetic and steroid combination was performed. Conclusion SCN is prone to entrapment where it passes through the fascia near the posterior iliac crest. Unilateral low back pain and deep tenderness radiating to the ipsilateral buttock are the clinical findings accompanying SCN entrapment. The case presented emphasizes the relief of possible SCN after limiting other etiologic causes of low back pain.

Precautions During Epidural Neuroplasty

Abstract: Scar formation in the epidural space due to previous operations or presence of inflammation in and around the nerve roots or spinal nerves in patients with back pain or radiculopathy have been documented in patients suffering from spinal pain. Several methods targeting the scar formation and inflammation have been used. Epidural neuroplasty is one of the recently used methods. The goals of neuroplasty are to break down fibrous adhesions that may prevent free movement of structures in the intervertebral foramen and in the bony vertebral canal. However, epidural neuroplasty is not free of complications. During epidural neuroplasty, unintended dural puncture, administration of hypertonic saline to the subarachnoid/subdural space, catheter shear, infection, and haemodynamic instability during the application are the most commonly observed complications. The most commonly seen complications of epidural neuroplasty are due to the procedure or the drugs administered. Complications relating to the procedure are usually seen immediately, while complications relating to drug administration are typically seen later. In this article, we discuss not only the possible complications during epidural neuroplasty, but their prevention and management as well.

Cranial Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension after Epidural Blood Patch

▪ Abstract:  Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a syndrome characterized by orthostatic headache, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and diplopia. Subdural effusion, diffuse dural enhancement, dilatation of epidural veins, and increased height of hypophysis are cranial magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings in SIH. Epidural blood patch is reportedly one of the effective treatment options. We present the follow‐up MR imaging findings in a case of SIH after a successful epidural blood patch treatment. We propose that cranial MR imaging as an objective test to evaluate the success of epidural blood patch treatment. ▪