Tolerable Pain Research Articles

Optimizing Intravenous Patient-Controlled Analgesia for Cancer Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial on Adjusted Background Infusion Rates.

Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) has been considered for managing cancer pain; however, limited research has been conducted on optimizing continuous infusion rates with PCA. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a method that optimizes background infusion (BI) alongside PCA for titrating intravenous (IV) morphine in managing cancer-related pain. Forty-four patients with solid tumors who could not manage pain with oral or transdermal opioid analgesics were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive IV morphine through PCA or the conventional method. In the PCA group, the BI rate was automatically adjusted on the basis of the frequency and interval of bolus button presses; contrastingly, BI rate in the conventional group was adjusted at the discretion of the medical staff. The primary outcome was the daily number of patient complaints of breakthrough pain (numeric rating scale ≥4). The PCA group reported a significant decrease in breakthrough pain complaints at 24 hours (median, 0 v 3 times/d; P = .012) and a lower proportion of nonresponders at 24 hours (21% v 55%; P = .048) compared with the conventional group. The total daily IV dose of morphine increased in the PCA group and exhibited a significant difference between two groups within 48 hours (median, 76.80 v 44.42 mg/d; P = .036). No uncontrolled opioid-related adverse effects were observed in either group. PCA, with an optimized BI rate, facilitated faster titration of IV morphine than the conventional method, achieving tolerable and rapid pain relief.

Clinical Effect Analysis and Prognostic Factors of Photodynamic Therapy for Cervical Precancerous Lesions.

To evaluate the therapeutic effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on cervical precancerous lesions and prognostic factors. 173 patients diagnosed with cervical precancerous lesions and treated with PDT were included. Univariate analysis was performed on human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, patient age, number of treatments and number of medications before and after treatment, to evaluate the efficacy, adverse reactions and patient satisfaction. 112 patients (64.5%) showed HPV clearance afrer PDT. Age ≥ 40 years was positively correlated with poor prognosis and number of treatments ≥ 6 was negatively correlated with poor prognosis. The satisfaction rate reached 94.79%, with 6 patients experiencing tolerable pain and no treatment discontinuations due to adverse reactions. PDT is effective and safe for treating cervical precancerous lesions, with patient age and treatment frequency impacting outcomes. High patient satisfaction and tolerable adverse reactions support the application of PDT in clinical practice.

Original Research: Improving Pain Assessment After Inpatient Orthopedic Surgery: A Comparison of Two Scales.

In pain assessment, the commonly used Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) offers an incremental 0-to-10 range of response options. But this broad range often leads to discordant evaluations between nurses and their patients. This study aimed to compare the NRS to the three-category Interventional Pain Assessment (IPA) scale, validate the IPA scale in an inpatient setting, and determine RN and patient scale preferences. This prospective study enrolled 122 postoperative orthopedic patients and their designated 104 RNs at a level 1 trauma center in the midwestern United States. Patients were asked to verbally rate their pain from 0 to 10 using the NRS and from 0 to 2 on the IPA scale. Patients were also asked which scale best conveyed their pain. The RNs were asked which scale best informed them of their patient's pain situation and which scale they preferred. To establish a correlation between the two scales, we considered NRS values of 0 to 7 (signifying no pain to moderate pain) to correspond to IPA scale values of 0 to 1 (signifying no pain to tolerable pain). NRS values of 8 to 10 (signifying severe pain) were considered to correspond to IPA scale values of 2 (signifying intolerable pain). Responses in which patients reported IPA scores indicating no pain to tolerable pain but NRS scores above 7 or IPA scale scores indicating intolerable pain but NRS scores of 7 or below were defined as discordant answers. Data analysis revealed a strong significant correlation between the NRS and IPA scale (τ = 0.597), with an 82.7% concordance rate. Once an NRS score rose above 7, more discordance between the two scales became increasingly prevalent, as evidenced by the 45% of patients who also reported tolerable pain on the IPA scale. Significantly more patients (89.3%) preferred the IPA scale to communicate their pain level than the NRS (10.7%). Significantly more RNs (76%) felt the IPA scale best informed them of their patient's pain and was a better guide for treatment than felt the NRS did so (24%). The IPA scale asks about pain tolerability and thus has a direct role in the management of pain medications. Both patients and nurses felt they were better able to convey and understand pain when using the IPA scale than when using the NRS. There was consensus regarding pain scale preference among patients and their RNs, with both groups preferring the IPA scale due to its simplicity and, among the RNs, its usefulness in guiding treatment. The IPA scale may be a much better tool for accurately assessing a patient's pain experience and needs, with the potential to change practice and improve pain management.

Assessing pain management in total joint arthroplasty using the Detroit interventional pain assessment scale—A prospective cohort study

BackgroundTotal joint arthroplasty (TJA) is an effective treatment for end-stage osteoarthritis, but postoperative pain has been poorly managed. The purpose of this study was to (1) assess how much narcotic medication was prescribed after TJA; (2) assess if patients were satisfied with their pain management; (3) compare these same data between total hip arthroplasty (THA)/total knee arthroplasty (TKA); (4) compare these same data between preoperative opioid users/opioid-naïve patients.MethodsAn IRB-approved prospective study was conducted at a US academic joint replacement practice. Patients were evaluated by an independent observer at three weeks, three months, and six months postoperatively using the Detroit Interventional Pain Assessment (DIPA) scale. Patients verbally rated their pain with their current medication regimen as 0 (no pain), 1 (tolerable pain), or 2 (intolerable pain) on the DIPA scale. Narcotic usage was verified by the Michigan Automated Prescription System (MAPS). Patients were divided into THA, TKA, previously on opioids, and opioid-naïve groups. Provider efficiency scores reflected pain management satisfaction and were calculated as the percentage of patients reporting no pain or tolerable pain.ResultsOut of 200 patients, the percentage of patients using narcotics and their daily usage (MMEs) significantly decreased from 75.5% (27.5 MMEs) at three weeks to 42.9% (5.3 MMEs) at six months (P < 0.001). In 80% of patients, narcotics taken at six months were prescribed by outside providers. Significantly fewer patients used narcotics at six months for THA (15.4%) compared to TKA (52.7%) (P < 0.021). There was a significant difference in daily narcotic usage between patients who took narcotics preoperatively (22.9 MMEs) and opioid-naïve ones (13.4 MMEs) (P < 0.001). Provider efficiency scores were best at three weeks (76.6%) and three months (70%) but declined at six months (57.2%).ConclusionsNarcotic tapering practices were observed as postoperative daily narcotic intake decreased across six months. However, outside providers prescribed 80% of narcotics at six months, necessitating a better-coordinated practice with surgeons. Patients taking preoperative narcotics experienced higher daily MME requirements than their opioid-naïve counterparts. In terms of the percentage of patients on narcotics, THA is a better procedure for tapering patients off narcotics by six months.

Pacing sensation with a second generation intercostal extravascular ICD lead

Abstract Background/Introduction An investigational intercostal extravascular ICD lead (EV-ICD Lead) has been developed to provide antitachycardia pacing and shock treatment of ventricular tachyarrhythmias when connected to a commercially available ICD pulse generator. Unlike other available extravascular ICD systems that achieve pacing with ring electrodes which transmit undirected current to cardiac and non-cardiac tissue alike, the intercostal EV-ICD Lead uses button-shaped electrodes backed by an insulative paddle to direct current toward excitable myocytes while minimizing undesired excitation of the adjacent tissues. Purpose The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate pacing sensation with the intercostal EV-ICD Lead connected to a commercially-available ICD pulse generator programmed to the maximum voltage output and pulse width settings. Methods In the STEP ICD Study (n=20), pacing sensation was evaluated at the pre-discharge visit while pacing at the maximum programmable voltage output (7.5 or 8.0 V, depending on manufacturer) and pulse width (1.5 or 2.0 ms). Sensation was reported by the patient as one of four choices: No Sensation, Sensation Only, Tolerable Pain or Intolerable Pain. Results Pacing sensation was assessed in 18 of 20 patients. One (1) patient did not undergo a pacing evaluation due to atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response. Responses were as follows: No Sensation in 4 (22%) patients, Sensation Only in 10 (56%) patients, Tolerable Pain in 3 (17%) and Intolerable Pain in 1 (6%). In no patient was the pain so severe that pacing capture threshold testing could not be completed. Of note, the single report of intolerable pain was only reported in the sitting posture. When tested supine, the patient reported sensation only. Conclusion(s) The design of the investigational intercostal EV-ICD Lead, with button-shaped electrodes backed by an insulative paddle, produced low levels of patient sensation at maximum output and pulse width. These sensation levels represent an improvement over designs that employ ring electrodes and indicate that antitachycardia pacing will be well tolerated with the novel EV-ICD Lead. These results corroborate the predictions about patient discomfort from in silico models.

Transoral robotic thyroidectomy: Lessons learned from consecutive series of 1,000 patients

BackgroundTransoral robotic thyroidectomy has gained popularity as a promising approach for thyroid surgery owing to its improved cosmetic outcomes. The objective of this retrospective study was to describe the surgical and safety outcomes of 1,000 consecutive transoral robotic thyroidectomy cases. Methods1,000 consecutive patients who underwent transoral robotic thyroidectomy for thyroid disease were reviewed at a large metropolitan tertiary hospital (Seoul, Korea) between September 2012 and March 2022. ResultsThe study comprised 1,000 patients (815 women), with 891 cancer cases. Lobectomy was the most common procedure (89.4%), followed by total thyroidectomy (9.8%) and isthmusectomy (0.8%), and their respective mean total operative times were 173.8 ± 36.2, 236.8 ± 50.5, and 107.5 ± 19.8 minutes. An obvious learning curve was noted. The respective postoperative pain scores on postoperative days 0, 1, and 2 were 4.6 ± 1.3, 3.1 ± 0.8, and 2.5 ± 0.8. The mean postoperative hospital stay duration was 2.6 ± 0.9 days. Complications occurred in 3.6% of cases, including oral wound infection, skin flap burn, bleeding, chyle leakage, transient and permanent mental nerve injury, and transient and permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Transient hypoparathyroidism occurred in 4.1% of total thyroidectomy cases. Thirty-seven patients (4.2%) underwent additional radioactive iodine therapy. The median follow-up period was 39 months, and there were no cases of recurrence. ConclusionsUnder the expertise of an experienced surgeon, transoral robotic thyroidectomy results in favorable cosmetic outcomes, tolerable postoperative pain, and acceptable complication rates in carefully selected patients.

Evolution of Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for Thoracic Disc Herniation: Towards Biportal Thoracoscopic Approach

This work aims to describe the evolution of the video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) approach from a multiportal access to a biportal access for thoracic herniated disc surgery. Thoracic disc herniation remains a challenging pathology for spine surgeons. VATS of the thoracic spine was described in the 90s and represented an important technical leap by including minimally invasive options for thoracic pathology. Nowadays, VATS in thoracic surgery tends to evolve towards an even less invasive technique, from a multiportal approach to a biportal one. We describe the adoption of this approach for our spinal pathology in 3 patients. We use a two-port VATS. The largest (approximately 5cm) with an Alexis retractor and a second port (1.5cm) just for the camera. The 3 patients started walking in less than 24hours and none suffered any complications related to the approach. All of them reported tolerable pain at the surgical site. Changing our previous VATS system from 3 to 5 ports was relatively easy regarding the surgical technique. This access allows the surgeon to manipulate the instrumentation confidently and the camera does not fog up as often. Extracting a piece of rib is unnecessary and theoretically, we only manipulate 1 or at most 2 intercostal nerves, so the patient's recovery is favorable.

Efficacy of sexual stimulation in the treatment of distal ureteral stones: A meta-analysis

IntroductionThis study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of sexual stimulation with that of placebo in the treatment of distal ureteral stones. MethodsWe searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2022 for studies comparing the efficacy of sexual stimulus with that of placebo for the treatment of distal ureteral stones. RevMan 5.3 software was used to pool the data. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (Registration Number: CRD42023432408). ResultsA total of six randomized controlled trials comprising 535 cases of distal ureteral stones were included in this study. Among these, 273 cases were associated with sexual intercourse or masturbation 3–4 times a week, while 262 cases only received symptomatic treatment. The pooled results showed that the 2-week [risk ratios (RR) = 1.77, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.34, 2.33] and 4-week [RR = 1.48, 95 % CI: 1.29, 1.69] ureteral stone expulsion rates of the sexually stimulated group were significantly higher than those of the placebo group (ps < 0.01). Additionally, sexual stimulation was associated with a shorter ureteral stone expulsion time [weighted mean differences (WMD) = −3.74, 95 % CI: −6.27, −1.22, p < 0.01] and a decreased prevalence of renal colic attacks [WMD = −0.61, 95 % CI: −1.01, −0.22, p < 0.01] compared with those of the placebo group. ConclusionAppropriate sexual stimulation can enhance the spontaneous expulsion of distal ureteral stones in patients presenting with tolerable pain.

Open total talus dislocation without concomitant malleoli fracture: a case report

BackgroundTotal talus dislocation without ankle (malleoli) fracture is a very rare injury with prevalence of only 0.06% of all dislocations and only 2% of talar injuries, and are usually associated with common complications such as infection, avascular necrosis, and posttraumatic arthritis. The treatment usually involves debridement, reduction, stabilization of the ankle joint, and primary or secondary closure of the wound.Case presentationWe present the case of a 40-year-old South Asian woman who was involved in an accident. She was rushed to our hospital, whereby subsequent examination revealed an open total talus dislocation with the talus being exposed in its entirety from a contaminated wound in the medial side. Furthermore, radiograph confirmed total talus dislocation without concomitant malleoli fracture. She was immediately taken to the operating theater whereby debridement and immediate reduction was performed under anesthesia, and the ankle was stabilized with external fixator for about 6 weeks. She is now able to bear weight on the affected ankle with minimal tolerable pain and has normal range of motion of the ankle.ConclusionsOpen total talus dislocation without concomitant malleoli fracture is a rare injury. Reduction of the talus in combination with complete wound debridement potentially successfully avoids infection, provides early revascularization preventing avascular necrosis, and preserves the normal ankle anatomy.

Evaluating Postoperative Pain Management using the Detroit Interventional Pain Management tool after fracture surgery: How well are we really doing?

To assess patients' opioid prescription usage and pain management satisfaction after fracture surgery. Design : An IRB-approved prospective prognostic cohort study for postoperative fracture patients was conducted. Patients were evaluated by an independent observer at two weeks, six weeks, three months, and six months postoperatively where they were given Detroit Interventional Pain Assessment (DIPA) questionnaires regarding their postoperative pain and opioid usage. Opioid prescriptions were verified by Michigan Automated Prescription System. All patients were divided into major fractures (tibia, femur, acetabulum, pelvis, calcaneus, talus, and polytrauma) and minor fractures (scapula, clavicle, humerus, radius, ulna, scaphoid, carpal/metacarpal, patella, fibula, ankle, and metarsal) and were followed for two years. Single-Center Level One Trauma Center. Patients presenting to clinic over a six month period were invited to participate in this study. Patients who did not consent were excluded. Outcome measures were the amount of prescribed opioids in daily Milligram Morphine equivalents (MMEs), opioid usage, DIPA pain scores, pain management efficiency (percentage of patients reporting no pain or tolerable pain with their regimen). Prescribed MMEs, pain management efficiency scores, and the percentage of patients using opioids were compared across all postoperative periods. For 201 fracture patients, the average age was 47.8 ± 16.3 SD (18-87 years) and there were 116 males (57.8%) and 85 females (42.2%). The percentage of patients using opioids and their daily prescribed MMEs significantly decreased from two weeks (48.2%, 21.6 MMEs) to six months (10.3%, 8.13 MMEs) (P < 0.001). Fifty-one percent of patients were off opioids at two weeks, 64.5% at six weeks, 84.2% at three months, and 89.7% at six months. All opioid prescriptions at six months and two years were prescribed to polytrauma patients who underwent sequential surgeries and these prescriptions originated from outside prescribers. Pain management efficiency scores were worst at two weeks (67.2%) but improved at three months (82.6%). As patients transitioned further from their surgical date, there was a decrease in opioid prescriptions and patient reported opioid usage. Despite the opioid tapering practices by surgeons, polytrauma patients still received prescriptions from outside prescribers for orthopaedic aftercare after three months, signaling the necessity for patients to see outside prescribers for their pain management after this time. Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Anesthesia-free In-office Hysteroscopic Morcellation for Endometrial Polyps: A Prospective Study.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the feasibility and quality of anesthesia-free in-office hysteroscopic morcellation for the treatment of endometrial polyps. A prospective, single-center, open-label, single-arm clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of hysteroscopic morcellation for endometrial polyps or retained products of conception. All surgical procedures were performed using the TruClear™ 5C system in the office setting without anesthesia. The primary endpoint was the success rate of surgery, defined as the completion of the operation. The secondary endpoints were operating time, fluid deficit, adverse events, pain evaluated by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, and recurrence rate. Ninety-five patients underwent hysteroscopic morcellation without anesthesia and received the treatment. The success rate of surgery was 100% (95/95), and the mean operating time was 7.3 min. Adverse events occurred in only 2.1% (2/95), with vasovagal reflex. The mean VAS scores during the procedure ranged from 2.4 to 3.1, and the recurrence rate after 6 months was 2.1% (1/47), with a pregnancy rate of 33% (11/33). When comparing nulliparous and parous patients, the success rate and the operating time were equivalent, and the mean VAS scores during the procedure were both within tolerable levels but significantly higher in nulliparous patients (3.3-4.5 vs. 1.6-1.9, P < 0.001). This study demonstrated that anesthesia-free in-office hysteroscopic morcellation for endometrial polyps can be safely performed with feasible quality and only tolerable pain. This less-invasive procedure is expected to become more widespread in future.

Mepivacaine instillation for pain reduction during intrauterine device placement in nulliparous women: a double-blinded randomized trial

BackgroundFear of pain associated with intrauterine device placement has been identified as a significant barrier to the adoption of long-acting reversible contraception, contributing to lower utilization of the most effective reversible contraceptive methods. ObjectiveTo assess whether instillation of intrauterine mepivacaine before intrauterine device placement alleviates pain more effectively than a placebo. Study DesignWe conducted a multi-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving nulliparous women undergoing intrauterine device placement. An instillation of 10 mL of 20 mg/mL mepivacaine or 0.9 mg/mL sodium chloride was administrated through a hydrosonography catheter 2 minutes prior to intrauterine device placement. Pain scores were assessed using a 100 mm Visual Analog Scale at pre-specified time points. Primary outcome measured the difference in Visual Analog Scale pain scores between the intervention group and the placebo group during intrauterine device placement. Secondary outcomes included Visual Analog Scale pain scores at instillation and 10 minutes after placement, tolerability of the placement pain, as well as acceptability of the analgesia method. ResultsWe enrolled 151 participants, with 76 assigned to the mepivacaine group and 75 to the placebo group. The mean VAS pain score during IUD placement showed a difference of 13.3 mm (95% CI 5.75-20.87; P<.001): the mepivacaine group had a mean of 53.9 mm (SD 22.8), while the placebo group had a mean of 67.2 mm (SD 22.4). After adjusting for each individual provider’s impact, the difference in mean pain scores remained statistically significant (12.2 mm 95% CI 4.85-19.62; P<.001). A greater proportion of women in the intervention group reported tolerable pain during placement with 70/75 participants (93.3%) compared to 53/66 participants (80.3%) in the placebo group (P=.021). ConclusionThe intrauterine instillation of mepivacaine results in statistically significant reduction in pain score among nulliparous women during intrauterine device placement. Although the precise clinical impact of this pain reduction method remains uncertain, the observed reduction in pain score result in a higher proportion of women reporting tolerable pain. This finding and the high acceptance as a pain reduction method thereby suggests clinical relevance. Intrauterine instillation of mepivacaine is a possible strategy to increase IUD utilization, particularly among nulliparous women who are at high risk of unintended pregnancy.

A randomized controlled trial evaluating low-intensity shockwave therapy for treatment of persistent storage symptoms following transurethral surgery for benign prostatic obstruction.

Low-intensity shockwave therapy (Li-SWT) can improve bladder function through enhancement of angiogenesis and nerve regeneration and suppression of inflammation and overactivity. In this trial, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Li-SWT on persistent storage symptoms after transurethral surgery (TUS) for benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). Between July 2020 and July 2022, 137 patients with persistent storage symptoms; urgency episodes/24 h ≥ 1 and daytime frequency ≥8, for at least three months after TUS for BPO were randomly allocated to Li-SWT versus sham versus solifenacin 10 mg/day in 3:1:1 ratio. The primary end point was the percent reduction from baseline in overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) at 3-month follow-up. The changes in 3-day voiding diary parameters, quality of life (QoL) score, peak flow rate and residual urine at 3 and 6-month follow-up were compared. Treatment-related adverse effects were also evaluated. Baseline data were comparable between groups. The percent reduction from baseline in OABSS at 3-month follow-up was significantly higher in Li-SWT compared to sham (-55% versus -11%), and it was comparable between Li-SWT and solifenacin-10 (-55% versus -60%). Li-SWT achieved significant improvement like solifenacin-10 in 3-day voiding diary parameters and QoL score at 3-month follow-up. This improvement remained comparable between Li-SWT and solifenacin-10 at 6-month follow-up. No adverse effects related to Li-SWT were noted apart from tolerable pain during the procedure. Solifenacin-10 was associated with bothersome adverse effects in 73% of the patients with 11.5% discontinuation rate. Li-SWT ameliorates persistent storage symptoms and promotes QoL after TUS for BPO, with comparable efficacy and better tolerance compared to solifenacin.

Long-pulsed 1064nm Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of leg veins: Systematic review.

Long-pulsed 1064nm Nd:YAG laser can damage vessels with higher diameters and penetrate to a deeper level than other laser therapies. We aim to analyze outcomes of the treatment of leg veins with long-pulsed 1064nm Nd:YAG laser regarding intervention protocol, technical success, clinical success, and side effects. A research of the published literature was conducted, using PubMed and Embase databases, in April 2022. The key words used were telangiectasia, reticular veins, neodymium YAG laser, clearance, satisfaction, and treatment. PRISMA guidelines were followed. We included twenty-six articles, twenty-three prospective and three retrospective studies, with a total of 1991 patients. The articles were organized in different sections according to the control group. The four outcomes were analyzed in each section. These studies showed that the long-pulsed 1064nm Nd:YAG laser is a safe and very good option for the treatment of leg veins measuring up to 3mm in diameter. Studies comparing long-pulsed 1064nm Nd:YAG laser therapy and sclerotherapy showed similar clearance rates with no significant differences. However, sclerotherapy seemed to be less painful and to have faster clinical improvements. In two articles, Nd:YAG laser had better outcomes in the treatment of smaller vessels with less than 1mm in diameter, than sclerotherapy alone. Treatment with polidocanol microfoam and Nd:YAG laser had better clearance rates than Nd:YAG laser alone in three studies. In the comparison of 1064nm Nd:YAG laser therapy with other lasers and light sources, the studies had contradictory results. Long-pulsed 1064nm Nd:YAG laser is a valid therapeutic option for leg telangiectasia and reticular veins with great aesthetic outcomes and minor side effects. Nd:YAG laser therapy could be combined with sclerotherapy or other laser therapies or IPL in order to achieve better results. Serious side effects are rare, but the procedure is almost always accompanied by moderate tolerable pain.

Clinical relevance of vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) in gynecology.

This study reviews the progress and recent advances in vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) as a minimally invasive gynecologic procedure. The proposed advantages of vaginal natural orifice transluminal surgery include enhanced cosmesis due to a scarless procedure, better exposure compared with the pure vaginal approach, tolerable pain scores, fewer perioperative complications, and a shorter hospital stay. Recent advances in surgical instrumentation and technology have improved the feasibility of vNOTES as an innovative treatment option for gynecological conditions. However, technical challenges and training issues must be overcome before its widespread use. As a promising surgical innovation, further randomized comparative studies are required to clarify the safety and effectiveness of vNOTES in gynecology.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of CalliSpheres® microsphere-transarterial chemoembolization in large hepatocellular carcinoma.

The prognosis of large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unfavorable due to limited and challenging treatment. CalliSpheres® microsphere-transarterial chemoembolization (CSM-TACE) is an effective therapy for general HCC but not frequently applied for large HCC. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of CSM-TACE in large HCC patients. This prospective study analyzed 100 large HCC (tumor size >5 cm) patients receiving CSM-TACE. Treatment response, survival, change in liver function indexes, and adverse events were recorded. The best complete response, partial response, stable disease, and progressive disease rates were 2.0%, 31.3%, 65.7%, and 1.0%, respectively, leading to the best objective response rate (ORR) of 33.3% and disease control rate of 99.9%. Multivariate analysis showed that intrahepatic metastasis was independently related to poor ORR (odd ratio = 0.366, P = 0.023). The 1- and 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 88.9% and 80.6%, with a mean [95% confidence interval (CI)] PFS of 21.6 (20.4-22.9) months. The 1- and 2-year overall survival (OS) rates were 99.0% and 99.0%, with a mean (95% CI) OS of 23.8 (23.3-24.2) months. Total bilirubin (P < 0.001), alanine transaminase (P < 0.001), aspartate transaminase (P < 0.001), and α-fetoprotein (P = 0.045) were abnormal in a short-term period then stably recovered from 1 month ± 15 days after drug-eluting bead-TACE to 24 months ± 15 days. During hospitalization and postdischarge, tolerable abdominal pain and decreased appetite were common adverse events. CSM-TACE shows favorable treatment response and survival with acceptable tolerance among large HCC patients, indicating that it may promote the management of these patients.

Detroit Interventional Pain Assessment Scale: A Pain Score and Method for Measuring and Evaluating Post-Operative Pain Management-A Prospective Study.

Background and Objectives: Orthopedic surgeons commonly prescribe opioids, surpassing all medical specialties. Our objective was to develop a pain management scale that captures medication use, patient-reported pain scores, and helps orthopedic surgeons evaluate their post-operative prescribing practice. Materials and Methods: An IRB-approved prospective study followed 502 post-operative orthopedic surgery patients over a six-month period. All patients were surveyed in an orthopedic clinic at a Level 1 US Trauma Center, during a routine follow-up. Patient pain satisfaction was assessed using the validated Interventional Pain Assessment (IPA) scale, which uses three categories: 0 (no pain), 1 (tolerable pain), and 2 (intolerable pain). Daily narcotic use was translated to morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) using the Michigan Automated Prescription System (MAPS) narcotics registry. When patient pain satisfaction and narcotic usage were combined, this scale was called the Detroit Interventional Pain Assessment (DIPA) scale. Results: The five classes based on common prescription and usage of narcotics in this cohort include the following: A (no pain medication), B (over-the-counter medication), C (occasional use of short-acting narcotics 1-30 MMEs), D (consistent/regular use of short-acting narcotics 31-79 MMEs), and E (long-duration or stronger short-acting narcotics 80+ MMEs). Patients were most satisfied with their pain management at six weeks (80.5%) and three months (75.65%), and least satisfied at two weeks (62.5%) and six months (60.9%). Additional information displayed on the DIPA graph revealed there was a significant decrease in the percentage of patients on narcotics at two weeks (65.2%) to six months (32.6%) at p < 0.001. Conclusions: The DIPA pain scale shows the relationship between patient pain perception and opioid prescription/usage, while also tracking prescriber tendencies. Providers were able to visualize their post-operative pain management progression at each designated clinic visit with corresponding alphabetical daily MME categories. In this study, results suggest that surgeons were not effective at managing the pain of patients at two weeks post-operative, which is attributed to an inadequate number of pain pills prescribed upon discharge. Overall, the DIPA graph signaled that better pain management interventions are necessitated in periods with lower efficiency scores.

Liposomal bupivacaine interscalene blocks demonstrate a greater proportion of total shoulder arthroplasty patients with clinically tolerable pain: a retrospective quality improvement study of 491 patients

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of liposomal bupivacaine use for interscalene blocks on postoperative analgesia in total shoulder arthroplasty patients. MethodsDe-identified total or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty patients between 2018 and 2021 were analyzed. Patients were grouped into single shot interscalene block with liposomal bupivacaine (LB) with plain bupivacaine, other block (OB) with other local anesthetics (mepivacaine, ropivacaine, or plain bupivacaine), or no block (NB). The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with clinically tolerable pain scores (mean VAS ≤4) from 0 to 24 ​h in each group. Secondary outcomes included averaged visual analog pain scores (VAS) and opioid consumption measured in morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) from 0 to 24 ​h. We also analyzed the proportion of patients with clinically tolerable pain, mean VAS, and opioid consumption from 0 to 72 ​h in those patients with at least a 3-day hospital length of stay. ResultsA total of 491 de-identified total shoulder arthroplasty patients, 285 liposomal bupivacaine group (LB), 178 other block group (OB), and 28 no block group (NB), were analyzed. The primary outcome showed a statistically significant different proportion of patients with clinically tolerable pain from 0 to 24 ​h in the LB group (69 ​%) vs. OB group (39 ​%) vs. NB group (11 ​%) (<0.001). Secondary outcomes included statistically significant differences in VAS (LB median ​= ​3.35, OB median ​= ​4.38, NB median ​= ​5.25 (p ​< ​0.001, <0.001)) and total MME opioid consumption (LB median ​= ​40, OB median ​= ​60, NB median ​= ​88 (p ​< ​0.001, 0.001)) between groups from 0 to 24 ​h. For patients who had hospital stays of at least 3 days, a significant association was found with having achieved clinically tolerable pain 0–72 ​h and the LB group (51 ​%) vs. OB group (21 ​%) vs. NB group (11 ​%) (P ​= ​0.006). However, there was no statistical difference in mean VAS or opioid consumption between these groups. ConclusionA greater proportion of total shoulder arthroplasty patients that received liposomal bupivacaine in interscalene block have clinically tolerable pain scores from 0 to 24 ​h, lower VAS, and lower MME consumption in patients following total shoulder arthroplasty. Level of evidenceLevel III – Clinical Study.

Electrical matrix stimulation suppresses acute itch independently of activation of sleeping nociceptors.

Itch can be reduced by pain. Activation of sleeping nociceptors (CMi) is a crucial mechanism for the peripheral component of intense and long-lasting pain. Thus, activation of CMi might be especially effective in itch reduction. Electrical stimulation using sinusoidal pulses activates CMi with tolerable pain intensity, whereas short rectangular pulses with low intensity do not. In humans, histaminergic itch is mediated by histamine-sensitive CMi, whereas other pruritogens activate polymodal nociceptors (CM). In a psychophysical approach in a balanced crossover repeated-measures design in healthy volunteers, we activated nociceptors by two different electrical stimulation paradigms via a matrix electrode: 4 Hz sinusoidal pulses that activate C-nociceptors including CMi or 4 Hz rectangular stimuli to activate nociceptors excluding CMi. After 5-min stimulation, itch was induced by either histamine iontophoresis or application of cowhage spicules. Itch ratings were assessed via a numerical rating scale (NRS). Electrical 4 Hz sine wave stimulation (0.1 mA) with low pain ratings of 1.5 (NRS; 0-10) induced an axon reflex erythema (3 cm2 ), indicating activation of CMi, whereas rectangular 0.2 ms pulses (average 0.91 mA) with the same pain rating did not. Both electrical stimulation paradigms reduced itch magnitude over time evoked by either histamine or cowhage to a similar extent. Peak maximum itch evoked by histamine was reduced by both stimulation paradigms, but not cowhage maximum itch. Since electrical stimulation with the rectangular pulse paradigm reduces itch to a similar extent as the sine wave stimulation paradigm, the input of CMi is not necessarily required for itch suppression. The input of A-fibres and polymodal nociceptors, similarly, as also achieved by scratching, seems to be sufficient for both forms of chemically evoked itch. Since activation of CMi does not provide additional benefit for itch suppression, spinal pain pathways transmitted via CM versus CMi have differential effects on itch-processing circuits. This is important knowledge for using electrical matrix stimulation as itch suppressor since activation of sleeping nociceptors either requires significantly painful stimulation paradigms or specialized stimulation paradigms as sinusoidal pulses. An alternative approach using half-sine wave pulses with low pain intensity activating specifically polymodal nociceptors to suppress itch via matrix electrode stimulation may be considered.

Efficacy of intralesional measles, mumps and rubella vaccine immunotherapy in Molluscum contagiosum: a prospective study

Introduction Molluscum contagiosum(MC) is a viral infection of the skin and mucous membrane characterized by single or multiple, pearly white to flesh-colored umbilicated papules. There are certain therapies that increase the cellular immune response either through a topical or systemic approach as cell-mediated immunity plays an important role in the regression of MC. Immunomodulatory medications are relatively newer modalities of treatment that have been more successful for patients with widespread and potentially disfiguring eruptions. Objective To study the effect and safety of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) immunotherapy in patients with multiple Mollusca. Patients and methods The study included 200 patients with multiple MC. They were injected with the MMR vaccine intralesionally into 2-3 lesions including the largest mollusca up to a maximum of 0.3 ml in one sitting every 2 weeks for a maximum of 5 treatments at a 2-week interval (week: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8) or till the complete resolution of MC whichever was earlier. The action of the MMR vaccine was assessed by the reduction of the number of lesions and the day of resolution of lesions. The response of all patients at subsequent visits (at second, fourth, sixth, eighth, and 10th week from the initiation of therapy which was taken as week 0) was analyzed. All the patients were subjected to photographic documentation before the initiation of therapy, during therapy, and at 1 month (week 14) and 3 months (week-22) of the follow-up period. Results Out of 200 patients, 184 completed the study. There were 116 males and 84 females. The mean age of study participants was 17.17±12.64 years. At the end of the study complete resolution of MC was seen in 149 (81%) patients, 21 (11.4%) patients had relative response while a poor response was seen in 14 (7.6%) of patients. Mild tolerable pain was seen in 25 (12.5%) patients during injection followed by pigmentary changes in 17 (8.5%) patients and scarring in 12 (6%) patients. Conclusion Intralesional immunotherapy with the MMR vaccine is an effective and safe modality for the treatment of MC.