Mean Visual Analog Scale Score In Group Research Articles

Effect of Sacral Erector Spinae Plane Block on Postoperative Analgesia in Perianal Surgeries: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Introduction: Sacral nerves emerge through sacral foramina and traverse below the multifidus muscle. Hence, blocking this myofascial plane can provide postoperative analgesia in the perianal region by blocking the sacral nerves supplying it. Aim: To study the effect of Sacral Erector Spinae Plane Block (SESPB) on postoperative pain and postoperative analgesic requirement in perianal surgeries. Materials and Methods: A randomised controlled trial was done with 60 patients who were randomly allocated into two groups (30 in each group). Group 1 patients received no intervention, whereas Group 2 received bilateral SESPB. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), opioid requirement, first analgesic demand, and additional analgesic requirement were compared between the two groups. The qualitative data was analysed by Student’s t-test, whereas the quantitative data was analysed using the Chi-square test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Around 18 (60%) of the participants in group 1 were males, whereas group 2 consisted of 15 (50%) males. The mean age in group 1 was 40.7±11.5 years, whereas it was 43.6±12.7 years in group 2. The means of BMI were similar in both groups. The mean VAS score of group 1 was 3.19±0.23, whereas it was 2.37±0.25 in group 2. The first analgesic requirement was significantly delayed, and total tramadol requirement was lower in group 2 compared to group 1. Four patients from group 1 (control group) required inj. diclofenac sodium additionally. Conclusion: Bilateral SESPB provided good postoperative analgesia in patients who underwent perianal surgery. The total analgesic requirement was also found to be lower with this block. Hence, it can be considered a modality for perianal surgeries.

Comparative Efficacy of Topical Metronidazole and Glyceryl Trinitrate Versus Topical Glyceryl Trinitrate Alone in the Treatment of Acute Anal Fissure: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background and objective An anal fissureis a longitudinal, oval lesion in the anal canal. In over 90% of instances, the anal fissures are located posterior to the midline and produce discomfort upon defecation and/or bleeding owing to spasms of the internal anal sphincter that leads to ischemia. This research aimed to determine if topical metronidazole treatment when combined with glyceryl trinitrate 0.2% (GTN), is more successful than GTN alone in reducing the time for an acute anal fissure to heal. Material and methods This study was a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial conducted at the DHQ Hospital Okara from January 2022 to August 2022. Patients of both genders, aged 18 to 70 years, with acute anal fissures, were included. One hundred forty patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria were randomized through the lottery technique and were divided into two groups (70 in each group). Group A contained patients who got metronidazole combination with GTN, while in Group B, patients treated with GTN alone without metronidazole. The primary endpoint was fissure healing, confirmed as finding a scar where the fissure was. While the secondary endpoint was maximum pain on defecation assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) v24. Chi-Square and Fisher's Exact tests were done for statistical analysis, and p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results Three patients lost the follow-up. Out of the remaining 137, 70 (51.1%) patients were male. The patient's ages ranged from 22 to 68 years, with a mean age of 39.18 ± 11.52. One hundred twenty six (92%) complained of pain on defecation with a mean VAS of 6.01 ± 2.35. 80 (58.4%) patients complained of perianal itching, while 25 (18.2%) patients complained of bleeding on defecation. On week 1 follow-up, in group A out of 69 patients, 27 (39.1%) had complete healing, 38 (55.1%) had partial healing, while in group B out of 68 patients, one (1.4%) had complete healing, 43 (63.2%) had partial healing (p = < 0.001, significant). On week 3 follow-up, in group A out of 69 patients, 47 (68.1%) had complete healing, and 22 (31.8%) had partial healing, while in group B out of 68 patients, 16 (23.5%) had complete healing, 49 (72%) had partial healing (p = < 0.001, significant). Mean VAS score of group A was 0.61 ± 1.38 while that of group B was 2.57 ± 2.50 (p = < 0.001, significant). Conclusion Using topical metronidazole as an addition to standard therapy may reduce the chronicity of acute anal fissures and prevent surgical treatments with high rates of complications.

A non-inferiority comparison of Delta Medical's PEEK Suture Anchor and Smith & Nephew's PEEK Suture Anchor in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a multicenter prospective single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial.

BackgroundTo compare the early clinical outcomes and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) results of Delta Medical’s PEEK (polyether ether ketone) suture anchor with those of Smith & Nephew’s PEEK suture anchor in patients with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.MethodsA total of 106 patients in four different medical centers were randomly allocated into two groups: Delta Medical’s PEEK suture anchor (53 patients); Smith & Nephew’s PEEK suture anchor (53 patients). The MRI results and early clinical outcomes were evaluated at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder rating scale and the visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain and range of motion were evaluated. MRI were performed at 3 and 6 months postoperatively to examine the integrity of the repaired rotator cuff tendon based on the Sugaya classification.ResultsSignificant improvements in pain relief, shoulder function, and functional scores were observed in both groups after surgery regardless of the suture anchor applied (P<0.001). No differences observed in the functional scores and range of motion. The assessments of UCLA scores at 3 and 6 months produced no statistical differences (P=0.885 and 0.340, respectively). The mean VAS scores in group 1 did not reveal statistical differences at 3 and 6 months after surgery compared to group 2. No significant differences in the range of motion were found at each follow-up time-point and no shifting or breakage of the anchors occurred between the two groups (P>0.01). No major intra- or post-operative complications, such as infection, and vessel or nerve injury.ConclusionsPain relief and shoulder function were improved after complete rotator cuff repair in both groups, regardless of the suture anchor applied. The difference in functional scores and range of motion were not significant in groups 1 and 2. Delta Medical’s PEEK suture anchor had a non-inferiority effect compared to Smith & Nephew’s PEEK suture anchor. Delta Medical’s PEEK suture anchor was suitable for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.Trial RegistrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry, identifier: ChiCTR2100051716.

Comparison of Percutaneous Kyphoplasty and Pedicle Screw Fixation for Treatment of Thoracolumbar Severe Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture with Kyphosis

Pedicle screw fixation (PSF) has been considered the preferred surgery for the treatment of severe osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (sOVCF), and sOVCF was traditionally regarded as a relative contraindication to minimally invasive percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP). Debate has continued regarding the selection of the best surgical method for sOVCF. In the present study, we compared the efficacy and safety between PKP and PSF. PKP was performed in 376 patients in group 1 and PSF in 121 patients in group 2. The visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), local kyphotic angle, fractured vertebral body height, and complications were evaluated. In the immediate postoperative analysis, the mean VAS score for group 1 was 2.4, significantly lower than the VAS score of 4.7 for group 2. The mean ODI score was 44.4% for group 1, lower than the ODI score of 57.1% for group 2. In addition, group 1 had had a significantly better ODI score at 1 year of follow-up. The local kyphotic angle and fractured vertebral body height had recovered better in group 2. In group 1, 113 patients had experienced cement leakage, and 29 patients had undergone PKP for adjacent new vertebral fractures. In group 2, 2 patients had developed wound infections, 4 had developed pneumonia, 2 had developed urinary tract infection, 3 had experienced asymptomatic screw loosening, and 7 had undergone PKP to treat new vertebral fractures and 1 had undergone removal of internal fixation because of back pain. The results of the clinical and radiological evaluations showed that PKP is comparable to PSF for the treatment of sOVCF with kyphosis, with PKP having the advantages of minimal invasion, quick postoperative pain relief, and functional recovery.

Pre-emptive gabapentin versus pregabalin for acute postoperative pain management in head and neck surgeries under general anaesthesia

Background: Gabapentin and pregabalin are antiepileptic drugs which are being used in the treatment of neuropathic pain as well as postoperative pain. However there is paucity of studies in comparison with each other in patients undergoing head and neck surgeries under general anaesthesia. Objectives: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of gabapentin and pregabalin with respect to increase in duration of analgesia, reduction in postoperative pain scores, total postoperative analgesic requirements and side effects in patients undergoing head and neck surgeries under general anaesthesia. Settings and design: A prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Methods: 100 patients of either gender in ASA I and II were randomly allocated to one of the two groups of fifty each. Patients in group G received single dose of gabapentin 1200mg while in group P received pregabalin 300mg, 1 hour before induction of anaesthesia. Postoperatively, rescue analgesic was administered at visual analogue scale (VAS) >4. The VAS score, sedation score, time to rescue analgesia, total analgesic consumption and side effects were recorded. Results: ln the 24 hours of postoperative period, the mean VAS score of group P was significantly less than group G. Time for rescue analgesic requirement was more with group P than group G. Mean dose of tramadol administered in group P was significantly less when compared to group G. Sedation score was similar in both the groups. No significant difference was observed among the two groups regarding side effects. Conclusion: Pregabalin group had lower VAS score, prolonged timing of first rescue analgesic, and less analgesic consumption than the gabapentin group. Both the groups had similar sedation score with very negligible side effects.

Comparison of Endonasal and External Septoplasty for Treatment of Buckled Caudal Septal Deviation

To compare endonasal and external septoplasty for type 2 caudal septal deviations in terms of operative time, aesthetic and functional outcome. Descriptive Analysis. ENT Department, Mayo Hospital/ K.E.M.U, Lahore, from October 2019 to October 2020. Record of patients operated for septal deviations in 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients, diagnosed with type 2 caudal septal deviations, were included; while those with marked inferior turbinate hypertrophy, deviated nasal septum after trauma, and those who could not be followed-up, were excluded. Twenty-eight patients, operated by external approach, were placed in group A; and 32 patients, who had endonasal surgery, were placed in group B. Functional outcome was assessed by nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scale; and cosmetic deformity was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) pre- and postoperatively at six months. Operative time was measured for both the groups. Sixty patients were included. Mean preoperative NOSE scale score for group A was 67.36 ± 8.07 and postoperative was 15.82 ± 3.62 (p<0.001). Mean preoperative NOSE score for group B was 69.40 ± 5.80 and postoperative it was 18.00 ± 3.75 (p<0.001). Mean VAS score for group A preoperative and postoperative was 18.93 ± 7.86 and 76.07 ± 6.85 (p<0.001), respectively. Mean VAS score for group B preoperative and postoperative was 19.69 ± 7.82 and 71.56 ± 8.84, respectively (p<0.001). Mean operative time for group B was 52.25 ± 3.37 minutes, and for group A 115.00 ± 9.91 minutes (p<0.001). The difference in preoperative and postoperative NOSE and VAS scores compared for both groups revealed p-value of 0.952 and 0.044, respectively. Extracorporeal septoplasty resulted in better aesthetic outcome; though endonasal septoplasty had shorter operative time. Both surgical techniques resulted in good functional outcome. Key Words: Nasal septum, Nasal surgical procedures, Deviated nasal septum, Caudal deviation septum, Septoplasty, Septorhinoplasty, Nasal obstruction symptoms evaluation (NOSE) score, Visual analogue scale (VAS).

Local Anesthesia Injection in Upper Blepharoplasty Surgery: A Side at a Time or Both Sides at Once? A Prospective Randomized Study.

Perceived pain during local anesthesia injections can be effected by the injection sequence. We sought to compare pain levels during local anesthesia injections during upper lid blepharoplasty (ULB) using 2 surgical sequences. We conducted a prospective, randomized clinical trial. Patients with ULB were randomized to either have local anesthesia injection followed by ULB in the right eyelid and then in the left (Group A) or to have local anesthesia injection to both eyelids followed by ULB on both eyelids (Group B). Pain was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain score of 0 to 10. Forty patients were included and randomized. The mean VAS score in Group A was 2.60 ± 1.84 and 3.30 ± 1.62 (right and left, respectively, p value = .035). The mean VAS score in Group B was 2.55 ± 1.63 and 2.80 ± 1.67 (right and left eyelids, respectively, p value = .258). No intergroup difference in pain was found. Patients having sequential anesthesia during ULB perceived more pain on injection to the second eyelid, whereas patients having local anesthesia followed by ULB perceived the same amount of pain in both eyes. Pain levels in both groups were similar. Local anesthesia injections in both groups were well tolerated.

Clinical Efficacy of Ultrasound-Mediated Transdermal Lidocaine and Capsaicin Delivery for the Treatment of Allodynia Caused by Herpes Zoster.

To investigate the efficacy of ultrasound-mediated drug delivery for allodynia caused by herpes zoster. Unblinded randomized controlled study with two treatment groups and an additional control group. Patients hospitalized with allodynia caused by herpes zoster were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to three groups: ultrasound-mediated transdermal drug delivery (group U), lidocaine intradermal injection (group I), or control group (group C). The primary outcome was pain intensity associated with allodynia, assessed with the visual analog scale (VAS) while brushing the skin with clothing after treatment stimulated allodynia. The secondary outcomes included an emotional functioning score (ES), average gabapentin consumption, and incidence of adverse events of each group. Sixty patients were enrolled in the study, but two of them failed to complete the treatment process. Therefore, 58 patients were included in the final analysis. All groups had lower VAS and ES scores after treatment compared with baseline. The VAS scores in groups U and I decreased significantly more than in group C (P < 0.05). Mean VAS scores in group U on days 1, 2, and 3 were lower than in group C (P < 0.01). ES was significantly lower in group U compared with groups I and C after treatment (P < 0.001). Average gabapentin consumption and incidence of adverse events in group C were higher than in the other two groups. In this study of treatment of allodynia caused by herpetic zoster, ultrasound-mediated lidocaine and capsaicin delivery provided better pain relief and improved emotional functioning compared with intradermal blockade with local anesthetics.

Comparison of extraoral and intraoral routes of glossopharyngeal nerve block for pain relief in patient with carcinoma tongue: A prospective randomized study.

Glossopharyngeal nerve block (GNB) technique has been used as alternative of treatment of cancer and noncancer pain of the oral cavity. The objective of the study is to compare the two approaches (extraoral and intraoral) of GNB in patients of carcinoma of the tongue in terms of efficacy, duration, and complications. This was a prospective comparative randomized study over a period of 1 year. Fifty patients of either sex of ASA physical status and 2, between 21 and 70 years of age, suffering from carcinoma of the tongue, were selected. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group I received 4 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine combined with 40 mg, of triamcinolonacetonide by extraoral approach of GNB, and Group II received the same amount of drug by intraoral approach of GNB. Hemodynamic parameters, degree of pain relief using visual analog scale (VAS), number of attempts, effect on quality of life (QOL), and complication were noted during the performance of GNB. Demographic profile in both groups was comparable. Rate of complication and number of attempts to complete intervention were higher in Group I, which was found to be statistically significant. However, mean VAS scores in Group I were significantly higher as compared to those in Group II during most of the study period starting from the 1st follow-up at 30 min to the 2nd month postintervention (P < 0.05). No statistically significant difference in mean QOL scores of two groups was observed for the entire study period except at 1 week when mean scores in Group I were higher as compared to those in Group II (P = 0.011). The intraoral approach of GNB was better with respect to pain control and improvement in QOL whereas the rate of complication and number of attempts was lower in extraoral approach of GNB.

Assessment of the Need for Routine Distolingual Local Anesthetic Infiltration in Addition to Traditional Inferior Alveolar, Lingual and Long Buccal Nerve Blocks in Mandibular Third Molar Extractions.

Background and Objectives:Persistent pain during the removal of mandibular third molars is often due to accessory nerve supply causing inadequate local anesthesia. This study aims to assess the requirement of routine distolingual infiltration anesthesia in addition to traditional inferior alveolar, lingual, and long buccal nerve block in mandibular third molar extractions.Methodology:Sixty patients requiring mandibular third molar extraction were randomly divided into two equal groups; Group A (Classic inferior alveolar, lingual, and buccal nerve block) and Group B (with an additional 0.2 ml distolingual infiltration). During various steps of the procedure, any complaint of pain was recorded and graded on a subjective Visual Analog Scale (VAS).Results:There was no significant difference between the two groups in regard to age (P = 0.666) and sex (P = 0.432). And also, no difference was found in angulation (P = 0.757), class (P = 0.417) and position (P = 1.000) of third molars. Mean VAS scores in Group B (0.153) were significantly lower (P = 0.004) than that of Group A (0.600). VAS scores during procedural steps were significantly lower in Group B during mucoperiosteal elevation (P = 0.050), bone guttering (P = 0.037), and tooth splitting (P = 0.052).Conclusion:Routine distolingual infiltration anesthesia, in addition to classic inferior alveolar, lingual, and long buccal nerve block, is recommended for the extraction of mandibular third molars.

A Clinical Comparative Study of Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block with Bupivacaine and Bupivacaine with Dexmedetomidine for Positioning and Duration of Postoperative Analgesia in Fracture Femur under Spinal Anesthesia.

Context:Positioning fracture femur cases for sub arachnoid block (SAB) is challenging. Fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) is low skilled, helps positioning, and provides analgesia. Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant prolongs analgesia.Aims:The aims were to study and compare FICB with bupivacaine and bupivacaine with dexmedetomidine in fracture femur cases with regard to positioning during SAB, duration of analgesia in terms of Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and Patient Satisfaction Score, and assess side effects.Settings and Design:This was a randomized, double-blind, prospective study.Subjects and Methods:Sixty fracture femur patients were divided into two groups as follows: Group A: FICB with injection bupivacaine 0.25% 38 cubic centimeter (cc) + dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg in 2 cc normal saline (NS) and Group B: FICB with injection bupivacaine 0.25% 38 cc + 2 cc NS.Statistical Analysis Used:Data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 software. Categorical data were processed by frequencies and proportions, whereas continuous data were processed by mean standard deviation. Chi-square test and independent t-test were used as tests of significance, considering P < 0.05 as statistically significant.Results:In Group A, mean VAS score at 5 min (min) was 3.7 ± 0.9 and in Group B it was 4.3 ± 0.7. Similarly, at 15 min, mean VAS score in Group A was 0.4 ± 0.6 and in Group B it was 1.9 ± 0.9. VAS score was significantly high in Group B at 5, 10, and 15 min. Mean time to rescue analgesia in Group A was 838.3 ± 82.7 min and in Group B it was 461.5 ± 36.6 min, which was significant.Conclusion:FICB ensures patient comfort during positioning for SAB and provides postoperative analgesia. Dexmedetomidine significantly prolongs postoperative analgesia.

Comparison of the efficacy of diclofenac, acupuncture, and acetaminophen in the treatment of renal colic

ObjectiveThe objective is to compare the analgesic effects of diclofenac, acetaminophen, and acupuncture in urolithiasis-driven renal colic pain relief. MethodsRenal colic patients were divided randomly into 3 groups. Patients in group I (n = 40) were treated with intravenous acetaminophen, those in group II (n = 41) with acupuncture, and those in group III (n = 40) with a 75-mg intramuscular injection diclofenac sodium. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and verbal rating scale (VRS) were used to assess pain intensity after 10, 30, 60, and 120 minutes. ResultsNo significant differences in baseline VAS or VRS were found with regard to age or sex. After 10 minutes, all 3 groups experienced a significant decrease in VAS and VRS scores, with the most drastic decrease occurring in group II. After 30 minutes, there was a significantly higher decrease in group III than in group I (P = .001). After 60 minutes, mean VAS scores of groups I and III (P = .753) were similar. The mean VAS score of group III was lower than that of group II (P = .013). After 120 minutes, the difference in the VAS scores was (P = .000) between groups I and II and between groups II and III. Yet, the VAS evaluation made after 120 minutes revealed statistically similar outcomes for groups I and III (P = .488). The statistical findings for VRS evaluations made after 10, 30, 60, and 120 were similar to those for VAS. ConclusionsIn renal colic patients with a possible nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and acetaminophen side effect risk, acupuncture emerges as an alternative treatment modality.

Making Nasopalatine Blocks Comfortable: A Randomised Prospective Clinical Comparison of Pain Associated with the Injection Using an Insulin Syringe and a Standard Disposable 3 mL Syringe

This study was conducted to compare and evaluate the pain associated with administration of Nasopalatine blocks using a disposable insulin syringe and the conventional disposable 3 mL syringe. Forty patients requiring intraalveolar extractions of maxillary central incisors were randomly assigned to two groups of 20 patients each; one (Group A) received the nasopalatine block with a standard 3mL syringe and the other (Group B) received the block with an insulin syringe. Patients were asked to rate the pain associated with the injection on a visual analog scale (VAS) and the results were analysed using a Chi Square Test. The mean VAS score for Group A and B was 1.55 and 1 respectively. Chi Square value was calculated to be 8.603 (degree of freedom= 3, P value= 0.0351). There were no differences in the effectiveness of anesthesia between the groups. Pain associated with administration of the nasopalatine blocks may be significantly mitigated by using the Insulin syringe.

Postoperative pain management after inguinal hernia repair: lornoxicam versus tramadol

In this randomized and prospective study, we compared the analgesic effects of lornoxicam and tramadol in patients after inguinal hernia repair. A total of 160 patients were assigned in a randomized manner into two groups. Group L received 8 mg lornoxicam i.v. at the end of the operation, followed by 8 mg 12 h after the operation. Group T received 1 mg/kg tramadol at the end of the operation and every 6 h up to 24 h postoperatively. The visual analog scale (VAS) score was assessed at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h after surgery. All patients completed the study. All vital signs were within normal ranges. The mean VAS score in Group L and in Group T was 21.66 +/- 14.64 and 19.75 +/- 11.82, respectively. No significant differences were found between groups with respect to VAS score. Eight (10%) patients in Group T had nausea. Lornoxicam 8 mg i.v. and b.i.d., tramadol 1 mg/kg at the end of the surgery and every 6 h up to 24 h after inguinal hernia repair provided rapid and effective analgesia and was well tolerated.

Effect of implanting fbrin sealant with ropivacaine on painafter laparoscopic cholecystectomy

To investigate the safety and efficacy of implanting fibrin sealant with sustained-release ropivacaine in the gallbladder bed for pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Sixty patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status was I or II and underwent LC) were randomly divided into three equal groups: group A (implantation of fibrin sealant in the gallbladder bed), group B (implantation of fibrin sealant carrying ropivacaine in the gallbladder bed), and group C (normal saline in the gallbladder bed). Postoperative pain was evaluated, and pain relief was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) scoring. The findings showed that 81.7% of patients had visceral pain, 50% experienced parietal, and 26.7% reported shoulder pain after LC. Visceral pain was significantly less in group B patients than in the other groups (P < 0.05), and only one patient in this group experienced shoulder pain. The mean VAS score in group B patients was lower than that in the other groups. Visceral pain is prominent after LC and can be effectively controlled by implanting fibrin sealant combined with ropivacaine in the gallbladder bed.

Role of Papaverine Hydrochloride Administration in Patients With Intractable Renal Colic: Randomized Prospective Trial

To evaluate the therapeutic effect of papaverine hydrochloride in the treatment of patients with renal colic pain unresponsive to conventional treatment. From March 2007 to January 2008, a total of 561 patients with severe renal colic pain due to a ureteral stone were treated with conventional agents (hyoscine-N-butylbromide and diclofenac sodium) in the emergency and urology departments. Of these 561 patients, 110, with no response to the treatment and persistent severe pain, were randomized into 3 groups for additional treatment. The patients in group 1 (n = 37) received intravenous hyoscine-N-butylbromide, those in group 2 (n = 37) received papaverine hydrochloride, and those in group 3 (n = 36) received pethidine. Before and after treatment, all patients completed a visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaire, with a scale of 0 (no pain) to 10 (maximal complaint), to measure their subjective pain. The mean VAS score of each group was compared with that of the other groups. The pretreatment mean VAS scores of all 3 groups were not significantly different statistically from each other (4.02 +/- 1.20, 4.36 +/- 1.97, and 4.27 +/- 1.50; P > .05). However, after treatment, the mean VAS scores of the patients treated with papaverine (0.93 +/- 0.29) and pethidine (0.81 +/- 0.38) were significantly different from those of the hycosine group (3.67 +/- 2.21; P < .001). However, the mean VAS scores of groups 2 and 3 were comparable (P = .67). Unlike opioids, no papaverine-related severe side effects were observed. Our results indicate that papaverine hydrochloride can used in an effective manner in the management of renal colic pain in patients unresponsive to commonly used conventional agents.

Short‐Term Assessment of the Nd:YAG Laser With and Without Sodium Fluoride Varnish in the Treatment of Dentin Hypersensitivity – A Clinical and Scanning Electron Microscopy Study

The aim of the present study was to evaluate clinically and under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the efficacy of Nd:YAG laser irradiation alone and in combination with 5% sodium fluoride varnish in the management of dentin hypersensitivity. The study was conducted on 40 patients divided into four groups who had at least one tooth of Grade III mobility with clinically elicitable dentin hypersensitivity. Following the pretreatment assessment of hypersensitivity using the visual analog scale (VAS) and cold air blast test, the selected tooth in all the groups received 1% citric acid treatment for 1 minute. Group 1 patients received no further treatment; group 2, 3, and 4 patients received additional treatment with 5% sodium fluoride varnish, Nd:YAG laser for 2 minutes, and a combination of 5% sodium fluoride varnish and Nd:YAG laser, respectively. Two hours following treatment, hypersensitivity was again assessed, and the teeth were extracted, sectioned, and scanned using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mean VAS score in group 1 showed a 27% increase from baseline, but groups 2, 3, and 4 showed a decrease of 33%, 44%, and 62%, respectively. The mean cold air blast score showed a 22% increase in group 1, but values decreased by 43%, 50%, and 83% in groups 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The number of patent tubules also progressively decreased from group 1 through group 4. The combination of Nd:YAG laser and 5% sodium fluoride varnish seems to show an impressive efficacy, when compared to either treatment alone, in treating dentin hypersensitivity. The SEM findings seem to relate to the clinical findings in that reduction in number/patency of tubules was associated with improvement in treatment efficacy.