Ultrasound-guided L5 dorsal ramus block: validation of a novel technique

2019 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 176-179
Author(s):  
John-Paul B Etheridge ◽  
Frederick De Villiers ◽  
Jan Venter ◽  
Pam Squire ◽  
Brenda Farnquist ◽  
...  

BackgroundAlthough the value of ultrasound-guided (USG) lumbar medial branch blocks (MBB) has previously been examined in several clinical trials, blocking the L5 dorsal ramus (DR) remains a technical challenge and we sought to examine the accuracy of a novel technique targeting this level.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, 115 patients scheduled for an L4 MBB and L5 DR block underwent an ultrasound scan to assess their lower spine sonoanatomy. Subjects in whom the necessary landmarks could be visualized underwent a USG L5 DR block using a pivot technique, which involved redirecting a needle from its position on the L5 transverse process after an L4 MBB. Success was determined by a blinded observer who examined the contrast distribution on postprocedural X-ray images. In addition to the final needle position, performance time, the number of needle passes, and any complication were recorded.ResultsA total of 100 patients had a USG block and 15 patients (13%) were excluded because of poor landmark visibility. The latter group presented a significantly higher body mass index (38.90±7.50 vs 26.31±4.25 kg/m2, p=0.004). A total of five failures were noted (95% success rate), this included three patients with transitional anatomy in whom needles were placed at the wrong level and two cases of incomplete contrast coverage possibly related to the partial intravascular injection. Performance time was 153.93±41.56 s and the median number of needle passes was 2 (range 4). No significant complications were noted.ConclusionThe pivot technique provides a reliable approach for USG L5 DR ramus blocks.Trial registration numberNCT03805906

2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Bravo ◽  
Julian Aliste ◽  
Sebastián Layera ◽  
Diego Fernández ◽  
Prangmalee Leurcharusmee ◽  
...  

Background and objectivesThis multicenter, randomized trial compared 2, 5, and 8 mg of perineural dexamethasone for ultrasound-guided infraclavicular brachial plexus block. Our research hypothesis was that all three doses of dexamethasone would result in equivalent durations of motor block (equivalence margin=3.0 hours).MethodsThree hundred and sixty patients undergoing upper limb surgery with ultrasound-guided infraclavicular block were randomly allocated to receive 2, 5, or 8 mg of preservative-free perineural dexamethasone. The local anesthetic agent (35 mL of lidocaine 1%-bupivacaine 0.25% with epinephrine 5 µg/mL) was identical in all subjects. Patients and operators were blinded to the dose of dexamethasone. During the performance of the block, the performance time, number of needle passes, procedural pain, and complications (vascular puncture, paresthesia) were recorded. Subsequently a blinded observer assessed the success rate (defined as a minimal sensorimotor composite score of 14 out of 16 points at 30 min), onset time as well as the incidence of surgical anesthesia (defined as the ability to complete surgery without local infiltration, supplemental blocks, intravenous opioids, or general anesthesia). Postoperatively, the blinded observer contacted patients with successful blocks to inquire about the duration of motor block, sensory block, and postoperative analgesia. The main outcome variable was the duration of motor block.ResultsNo intergroup differences were observed in terms of technical execution (performance time/number of needle passes/procedural pain complications), onset time, success rate, and surgical anesthesia. Furthermore, all three doses of dexamethasone provided similar durations of motor block (14.9–16.1 hours) and sensory block. Although 5 mg provided a longer analgesic duration than 2 mg, the difference (2.7 hours) fell within our pre-established equivalence margin (3.0 hours).Conclusions2, 5, and 8 mg of dexamethasone provide clinically equivalent sensorimotor and analgesic durations for ultrasound-guided infraclavicular block. Further trials are required to compare low (ie, 2 mg) and ultra-low (eg, 0.5–1 mg) doses of perineural dexamethasone for brachial plexus blocks.Trial registration numberTCTR20150624001.


Endoscopy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hirokazu Okada ◽  
Norimitsu Uza ◽  
Tomoaki Matsumori ◽  
Shimpei Matsumoto ◽  
Yuya Muramoto ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Accurate preoperative assessment of the longitudinal extension of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC) is essential for treatment planning. Mapping biopsies for PHCC remain challenging owing to technical difficulties and insufficient sample amounts. The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of a novel technique for mapping biopsies of PHCC. Methods Our novel method focused on a biliary stent delivery system for mapping biopsies. Fifty patients with PHCC undergoing endoscopic transpapillary mapping biopsy using the novel method were reviewed from August 2015 to June 2019. Results The median number of biopsy samples was six (range 1 – 17), and the rate of adequate sampling was 91.4 % (266 /291). Biopsy from the intrahepatic bile duct was possible in 82.0 % of patients (41 /50), and negative margins were confirmed in the resected specimens from 34 /39 patients who underwent surgery (87.2 %). None of the patients had post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis. Conclusions With our novel method, accurate assessment of the longitudinal extension of PHCC might be expected with minimal trauma to the duodenal papilla.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 70-73
Author(s):  
Md Shariful Islam ◽  
Md Shawkat Alam ◽  
AHM Mostofa Kamal ◽  
Md Asaduzzamman ◽  
Md Ruhul Quddus

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of one-shot dilation (OSD) in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Materials and Methods: In a prospective randomised study including 62 patients divided into two groups, the first had RD before PCNL using the standard metallic telescopic dilators (Alken), and the second had RD using the 30-F Amplatz dilator over the central Alken dilator. The operative duration, with X-ray exposure, was calculated. The procedure outcome in terms of complications, stone-free rates and hospital stay was evaluated statistically. Results : The tract was dilated correctly in all cases. The operative duration and X-ray exposure was shorter in patients undergoing single-step RD (P < 0.05). There were perioperative complications, according to the Clavien grading system, in 15 (25%) patients but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. The stone-free rates were comparable in both groups. Conclusion : A single-step RD during PCNL is feasible, with a shorter operative duration and X-ray exposure. The outcomes were comparable with those of a standard metallic telescopic RD Bangladesh Journal of Urology, Vol. 20, No. 2, July 2017 p.70-73


2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 609-614 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soshi Nakamuta ◽  
Toshihiro Nishizawa ◽  
Shiori Matsuhashi ◽  
Arata Shimizu ◽  
Toshio Uraoka ◽  
...  

Background and aim: Malposition of peripherally inserted central catheters placed at the bedside is a well-recognized phenomenon. We report the success rate of the placement of peripherally inserted central catheters with ultrasound guidance for tip positioning and describe the knacks and pitfalls. Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical case charts of 954 patients who received peripherally inserted central catheter procedure. Patient clinical data included success rate of puncture, detection rate of tip malposition with ultrasonography, adjustment rate after X-ray, and success rate of peripherally inserted central catheter placement. Results: The success rate of puncture was 100% (954/954). Detection rate of tip malposition with ultrasonography was 82.1% (78/95). The success rate of ultrasound-guided tip navigation was 98.2% (937/954). The success rate of ultrasound-guided tip location was 98.0% (935/954). Adjustment rate after X-ray was 1.79% (17/952). The final success rate of peripherally inserted central catheter placement was 99.8% (952/954). Conclusion: Ultrasound guidance for puncturing and tip positioning is a promising option for the placement of peripherally inserted central catheters. Ultrasound guidance could dispense with radiation exposure and the transfer of patients to the X-ray department.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document