Ibrahim Asik

Evaluation of the longus colli muscle in relation to stellate ganglion block.

Background and Objectives: The longus colli (LC) muscle is an important structure of the anterior cervical spine and has a critical role in stellate ganglion block. This technique involves withdrawing the needle to locate its port for injection above the anterior surface of the LC muscle; however, its exact thickness at the C5, C6, and C7 levels has not been measured. The aim of this anatomic and magnetic resonance-supported study was to evaluate the thickness of the LC muscle at these levels from the anterior tubercle of each vertebra toward the vertebral body at 5-, 10-, and 15-mm distances to provide precise anatomic data for stellate ganglion block. Methods: Ten cadavers, 60 vertebral body specimens, and cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of 40 adult patients were used for measurements. Results: The main findings of this study are that the thickness of the LC muscle varies between 5.0 and 10.0 mm at C6 and C7 in cadavers and between 8.0 and 10.0 mm in MRI scans. Sex has an important role; MRI scans revealed that male patients have a considerably thicker LC muscle at each vertebral level. Conclusion: We found a highly variable thickness of the LC muscle in anatomic and imaging studies, which may lead to negative block results.

Pain on injection of propofol: comparison of metoprolol with lidocaine

Background and objective: Pain is often experienced when propofol is injected, and intravenous lidocaine is often effective in preventing such pain. We decided to determine whether metoprolol, given before the injection of propofol, is as effective as lidocaine in reducing the incidence and severity of the pain. Methods: Ninety patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anaesthesia were randomly allocated to one of three groups to receive either metoprolol 2 mg, lidocaine 20 mg or saline 2 mL before any propofol was injected. Each patient was given one of these agents intravenously via a 20‐G cannula on the dorsum of the hand whilst the venous drainage was occluded manually, at the middle of the forearm, for 45 s. After the occlusion was released, propofol 2.0–2.5 mg kg−1, at room temperature, was injected at 2mL (20 mg) every 4s. Pain was assessed verbally and scored as none (0), mild (1) or severe (2). Results: The incidence of severe pain in the control group (56.7%) was significantly higher than in the metoprolol and lidocaine groups (16.6 and 10%, respectively). The number of patients who were free of pain was significantly higher in those who had been given either metoprolol or lidocaine. Conclusions: Pretreatment with intravenous metoprolol was equally as effective as lidocaine in reducing the pain associated with propofol injection.

Comparison of ropivacaine 0.2% and 0.25% with lidocaine 0.5% for intravenous regional anesthesia

STUDY OBJECTIVE To compare the anesthetic effects of two different concentrations and doses of ropivacaine (0.2% and 0.25%) with those of a conventional dose of lidocaine 0.5%. DESIGN Prospective, randomized, double-blinded, clinical investigation. SETTING Large metropolitan university hospital. PATIENTS 66 adult ASA physical status I and II patients undergoing forearm and hand surgery. INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomly allocated to three groups to receive intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA). Study groups were: ropivacaine 0.2% (Group I, n = 22), ropivacaine 0.25% (Group II, n = 22), and lidocaine 0.5% (Group III, n = 22). MEASUREMENTS Tourniquet tolerance times and regression of sensory analgesia were noted. Verbal numerical pain scores (VNS), cumulative analgesic consumption, and side effects were recorded during surgery and postanesthesia care unit (PACU). Time to first pain medication intake and number of patients receiving analgesics in the PACU were recorded. MAIN RESULTS Additional tolerance times for the distal tourniquet were significantly higher in the ropivacaine 0.25% group than the other two groups. Regression of sensory anesthesia was fastest in the lidocaine group. During the PACU stay, VNSs were significantly lower in the first 20 minutes in the ropivacaine groups than the lidocaine group. Time to first intake of pain medication in the PACU was soonest in the lidocaine group. The number of patients given analgesics in the PACU was highest in the lidocaine group. The number of patients taking > two tablets of tramadol was significantly lowest in the ropivacaine 0.25% group. No serious side effects were observed in any study group. CONCLUSION Longer tolerance times for the distal tourniquet, prolonged analgesia after tourniquet release, and lower analgesic requirements postoperatively make ropivacaine 0.2% and 0.25% an alternative to lidocaine for IVRA.

The comparison of the efficacy of radiofrequency nucleoplasty and targeted disc decompression in lumbar radiculopathy

Chronic low back pain is a common clinical condition causing medical, socioeconomic, and treatment difficulties. In our study, we aimed to compare early and long-term efficacy of lumbar radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFTC) nucleoplasty and targeted disc decompression (TDD) in patients with lumbar radiculopathy in whom previous conventional therapy had failed. The medical records of 37 patients undergoing TDD and 36 patients undergoing lumbar RFTC nucleoplasty were retrospectively examined and assigned to the Group D and Group N, respectively. In all patients Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Functional Rating Index (FRI) were recorded before treatment and after one, six and twelve months after the procedure. The North American Spine Society Satisfaction Scale (NASSSS) was also recoreded twelve months after the therapeutic procedure. Statistically significant postprocedural improvement in VAS and FRI was evident in both groups. VAS scores after one, six, and twelve month were slightly higher in Group N, compared to Group D. The overall procedure-related patient satisfaction ratio was 67.5% in the Group D, compared to 75% in the Group N. Regardless of the different mechanism of action, both methods are effective therapies for lumbar radiculopathy, with TDD showing long-term lower pain scores.

Treatment of Chronic Back and Chest Pain Patient With Sickle Cell Disease Using Spinal Cord Stimulation

Our patient was a 28-year-old female. She was admitted to the hospital due to painful crises and had a history of operations due to vertebral fracture, femoral head osteonecrosis, and pulmonary hypertension. Her back and chest pain was ranked as 9 on a numeric rating scale when she was referred to the pain clinic. Non-enhancing areas involving vertebral bodies at dorsal and lumbar levels, suggestive of infarcts, were shown by magnetic resonance imaging (Figure 1). Pain control could not be achieved medically; all nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids had been unsuccessful. After evaluation by the local pain council of the hospital, the patient underwent implantation of an SCS.