The external oblique intercostal block: anatomical evaluation and case series

Pain Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hesham Elsharkawy ◽  
Sree Kolli ◽  
Loran Mounir Soliman ◽  
John Seif ◽  
Richard L Drake ◽  
...  

Abstract Study Objective We report a modified block technique aimed at obtaining upper midline and lateral abdominal wall analgesia: the external oblique intercostal (EOI) block. Design A cadaveric study and retrospective cohort study assessing the potential analgesic effect of the EOI block. Setting Cadaver lab and operating room. Patients Two unembalmed cadavers and 22 patients. Interventions Bilateral ultrasound-guided EOI blocks on cadavers with 29 ml of bupivacaine 0.25% with 1 ml of India ink; single-injection or continuous EOI blocks in patients. Measurements Dye spread in cadavers and loss of cutaneous sensation in patients. Main Results In the cadaveric specimens, we identified consistent staining of both lateral and anterior branches of intercostal nerves from T7–T10. We also found consistent dermatomal sensory blockade of T6–T10 at the anterior axillary line and T6–T9 at the midline in patients receiving the EOI block. Conclusions We demonstrate the potential mechanism of this technique with a cadaveric study that shows consistent staining of both lateral and anterior branches of intercostal nerves T7–T10. Patients who received this block exhibited consistent dermatomal sensory blockade of T6–T10 at the anterior axillary line and T6–T9 at the midline. This block can be used in multiple clinical settings for upper abdominal wall analgesia.

2021 ◽  
pp. 025371762199237
Author(s):  
Niti Mittal ◽  
Rakesh Mittal ◽  
M. C. Gupta

Background: Being a nonbenzodiazepine, zolpidem is believed to have a favorable side-effect profile and is widely prescribed for insomnia. However, in the past few years, numerous neuropsychiatric adverse reactions, particularly complex sleep behaviors (CSBs), have been reported with zolpidem. Objective: To conduct a systematic review of zolpidem-associated CSBs. Data Sources: An electronic search was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane database of systematic reviews to extract relevant articles till July 2020. Study Eligibility Criteria: Any type of literature article (case report, case series, and observational or interventional study) reporting CSBs associated with zolpidem. Results: In this review, we present aggregate summarized data from 148 patients presenting with zolpidem-induced CSBs (79 patients from 23 case reports and 5 case series; 69 patients out of 1454 taking zolpidem [4.7%] from three observational clinical studies). Various types of CSBs associated with zolpidem were reported, most common being sleepwalking/somnambulism and sleep-related eating disorder. On causality assessment, around 88% of cases were found to have a probable association with zolpidem. Limitations: Extraction of data from observational studies and spontaneous reports, due to nonavailability of any randomized controlled trials relevant to the study objective. Conclusion and Implication of Key Findings: Zolpidem-induced CSBs, although not very common, may develop when the drug is used at therapeutic doses for insomnia. Doctors need to be alert to monitor such adverse effects of zolpidem and exercise caution while prescribing it.


Author(s):  
Rebecca Limb ◽  
James King

Abstract Study Objective The main purpose of this article is to address the question of whether reconstructing the sellar floor following Rathke's cleft cyst excision results in increased rates of recurrence. Methods and Design A retrospective case series was compiled from medical records and radiological investigations at a single institution over a time period spanning 25 years. Episodes of cyst recurrence were determined from magnetic resonance imaging scans and outpatient encounters. Details regarding surgical procedure and techniques were obtained from operation notes. Perioperative morbidity was also recorded. Results Twenty-three adult patients were treated surgically for a Rathke's cleft cyst at the study institution between 1992 and 2017. The overall cyst recurrence rate was 48%, with 39% of all patients requiring redo surgery within the timeframe of the study. The mean time to redo surgery for recurrence was 4 years. Cyst recurrence rates were 57% postmicroscopic procedures, and 26% postendoscopic procedures (p = 0.148). In the nonreconstructed group, the recurrence rate was 17%, and in the reconstructed group the recurrence rate was 41% (p = 0.3792). Complications arising after nonreconstructive procedures were delayed cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, pneumocephaly, and multiple episodes of meningitis. All these patients required return to theater for secondary reconstruction of the pituitary fossa floor. Conclusion The results of this small study suggest that reconstruction of the sellar floor, and microscopic rather than endoscopic techniques, may be associated with a higher rate of Rathke's cleft cyst recurrence. However, these trends did not reach statistical significance. Patients undergoing nonreconstructive procedures may be more prone to certain postoperative complications.


2013 ◽  
Vol 84 (3) ◽  
pp. 160-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Gutteridge ◽  
Keith Towsey ◽  
Cliff Pollard
Keyword(s):  

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Erling Oma ◽  
Jan Kim Christensen ◽  
Jorge Daes ◽  
Lars Nannestad Jorgensen

Abstract Aim Effects of component separation (CS) on abdominal wall musculature have only been investigated in smaller case series. The study aimed to compare abdominal wall alterations following endoscopic anterior component separation (EACS) or transverse abdominis release (TAR). Material and Methods Computed tomography scans were evaluated in patients who underwent open ventral hernia repair with TAR or EACS. Lateral abdominal wall muscle thickness and displacement were compared with preoperative images after bilateral CS and the undivided side postoperatively after unilateral CS. Results In total, 105 patients were included. The mean defect width was 12.2 cm. Fifty-five (52%) and 15 (14%) underwent bilateral and unilateral EACS, respectively. Five (5%) and 14 (13%) underwent bilateral and unilateral TAR, respectively. Sixteen (15%) underwent unilateral EACS and contralateral TAR. Complete fascial closure was achieved in 103 (98%) patients. The external oblique and transverse abdominis muscles were significantly laterally displaced with a mean of 2.74 cm (95% CI 2.29-3.19 cm) and 0.82 cm (0.07-1.57 cm) after EACS and TAR, respectively. The combined thickness of the lateral muscles was significantly decreased after EACS (mean decrease 10.5% [5.8-15.6%]) and insignificantly decreased after TAR (mean decrease 2.6% [-4.8-9.5%]), mean reduction difference EACS versus TAR 0.22 cm (-0.01-0.46 cm). One (1%) patient developed an iatrogenic linea semilunaris hernia after EACS. The recurrence rate was 19% after mean 1.7 years follow-up. Conclusions The divided muscle was significantly more laterally displaced after EACS compared with TAR. The thickness of the lateral muscles was slightly decreased after EACS and unchanged after TAR.


Author(s):  
Natalea Johnson ◽  
Jorge A. Pineda

Chapter 9 discusses truncal peripheral nerve blocks, which are utilized for supplemental analgesia for abdominal surgeries by providing local anesthesia to the anterior abdominal wall. These blocks are adjuvants because they will not block visceral pain. Unilateral analgesia to the skin, muscles, and parietal peritoneum of the abdominal wall is achieved. The transversus abdominis plane block (TAP) reliably provides analgesia to the lower abdominal wall in the T10–L1 distribution. Rectus sheath blocks anesthetize the terminal branches of the lower thoracic intercostal nerves and provide midline analgesia from the xiphoid process to the umbilicus. Surgical indications for TAP blocks include laparotomies, laparoscopies, inguinal hernia repairs, and appendectomies. Rectus sheath block indications include midline surgeries such as single-port appendectomies and umbilical hernia repairs.


Author(s):  
Jan Helge Klingler ◽  
Ulrich Hubbe ◽  
Christoph Scholz ◽  
Marie T. Krüger

Abstract Background and Study Objective One risk of established decompression techniques for lumbar spinal stenosis is the resection of facet joints, especially if they are steeply configured, promoting destabilization. Minimally invasive bilateral crossover decompression aims to preserve the facet joints and thus stability of the spine. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility and early results of this technique. Methods This retrospective case series includes 10 consecutive patients with lumbar stenosis and steep-angle (<35 degrees) facet joints who were treated with minimally invasive bilateral crossover decompression. Eleven segments were decompressed, most commonly L3/L4 (63.6%), followed by L1/L2 and L2/L3 (18.2% each). The effectiveness of surgical decompression was assessed by self-reporting questionnaires. Results After a follow-up of 10.5 months, the Symptom Severity Scale and Physical Function Scale of the Swiss Spinal Stenosis Questionnaire improved by 0.9 (p < 0.05) and 0.7 points, respectively. The mean Oswestry Disability Index improved from 53.9 to 34.6 (p < 0.05). Local and radiating pain under strain showed statistically significant improvement on the Visual Analog Scale (8.9 vs. 5.0 and 8.4 vs. 4.6, respectively). Maximum walking distance increased from 190 to 1,029 m. Apart from one patient requiring surgical decompression of an adjacent segment, there were no reoperations, neurological deteriorations, or other complications. Conclusion The results of this study indicate that minimally invasive bilateral crossover decompression is a promising technique for the treatment of spinal canal stenosis. With its design to spare facet joints, it can potentially reduce the risk of spinal instability, especially in patients with steep facet joints.


Hand ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron B. Mull ◽  
Michael C. Nicoson ◽  
Amy M. Moore ◽  
Dan A. Hunter ◽  
Thomas H. Tung

Background: Current management of brachial plexus injuries includes nerve grafts and nerve transfers. However, in cases of late presentation or pan plexus injuries, free functional muscle transfers are an option to restore function. The purpose of our study was to describe and evaluate the rectus abdominis motor nerves histomorphologically and functionally as a donor nerve option for free functional muscle transfer for the reconstruction of brachial plexus injuries. Methods: High intercostal, rectus abdominis, thoracodorsal, and medial pectoral nerves were harvested for histomorphometric analysis from 4 cadavers from levels T3-8. A retrospective chart review was performed of all free functional muscle transfers from 2001 to 2014 by a single surgeon. Results: Rectus abdominis nerve branches provide a significant quantity of motor axons compared with high intercostal nerves and are comparable to the anterior branch of the thoracodorsal nerve and medial pectoral nerve branches. Clinically, the average recovery of elbow flexion was comparable to conventional donors for 2-stage muscle transfer. Conclusion: Rectus abdominis motor nerves have similar nerve counts to thoracodorsal, medial pectoral nerves, and significantly more than high intercostal nerves alone. The use of rectus abdominis motor nerve branches allows restoration of elbow flexion comparable to other standard donors. In cases where multiple high intercostal nerves are not available as donors (rib fractures, phrenic nerve injury), rectus abdominis nerves provide a potential option for motor reconstruction without adversely affecting respiration.


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