Intractable pruritus during outpatient epidural hydromorphone infusion: A case report and a focused review of the literature

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiulu Ruan, MD ◽  
Li Ma, MD, PhD ◽  
J. Patrick Couch, MD ◽  
Tao Chen, MD, PhD ◽  
Gary W. Bumgarner, PhD
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Opioid Analgesic ◽  
Infusion Pump ◽  
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome ◽  
Outpatient Setting ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Opioid Dose ◽  
Epidural Opioid ◽  
Failed Back Surgery ◽  
Catheter Tip

Background: Intraspinal drug delivery therapy has been increasingly used in patients with intractable, nonmalignant pain who have failed to respond to conventional treatment or cannot tolerate systemic opioid(s) due to adverse events. By infusing a small dose of an opioid analgesic directly into the cerebrospinal fluid, near opioid receptors, profound spinal analgesia can be obtained. Before the implantation of permanent intraspinal pump, a neuraxial opioid infusion trial is usually conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of neuraxial opioid for analgesia. Patient-controlled epidural opioid infusion trial, performed in an outpatient setting, is one of the approaches used to conduct such a trial.Objective: To report a case of severe pruritus observed during the continuous epidural hydromorphone infusion trial and to conduct a focused review of the literature.Case report: An otherwise healthy 56-year-old lady, with a 4-year history of severe low back pain and bilateral leg pain due to failed back surgery syndrome, was referred to our clinic for intraspinal drug delivery therapy. Following a preimplantation psychological evaluation confirming her candidacy, she consented to an outpatient patient-controlled continuous epidural hydromorphone trial. A tunneled lumbar epidural catheter was placed at L3-L4 with catheter tip advanced to L2 under fluoroscopic guidance. Satisfactory catheter placement was confirmed by epidurogram. The catheter was then tunneled subcutaneously and connected to a Microject™ patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) pump (Codman, Raynham, MA). The pump was programmed to deliver hydromorphone 0.3 mL/h (0.06 mg, concentration 0.2 mg/mL) at basal rate of 0.3 mL/h, with bolus dose set at 0.2 mL (0.04 mg) and 30-minute lockout interval. The patient was instructed how to operate the infusion pump prior to discharging home. During the infusion trial, she reported satisfactory analgesia (>90 percent pain reduction) and was able to reduce her oral opioid dose by more than 80 percent. However, she developed severe, persistent itching, unresponsive to meticulous epidural infusion titration or various antipruritic treatments. Her pruritus remained severe and unabated until a few hours after the termination of the epidural hydromorphone infusion.Conclusion: Pruritus may occur and persist during epidural hydromorphone infusion. This report describes severe pruritus in a patient on epidural hydromorphone administration, in the setting of an outpatient infusion trial.

Edema caused by continuous epidural hydromorphone infusion: A case report and review of the literature

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiulu Ruan, MD ◽  
Riaz Tadia, MD ◽  
Hainan Liu, MS ◽  
John Patrick Couch, MD ◽  
John Keun-Sang Lee, MD, PhD
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Infusion Pump ◽  
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome ◽  
Outpatient Setting ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
First Case ◽  
Epidural Opioid ◽  
Failed Back Surgery ◽  
Catheter Tip ◽  
Lockout Interval

Background: Intraspinal drug delivery (IDD) therapy has been increasingly employed in patients with intractable, nonmalignant pain. Before implantation of permanent intraspinal pump, an intraspinal opioid screening trial is conducted to demonstrate the efficacy. The patient-controlled continuous epidural opioid infusion trail, performed in an outpatient setting, is widely accepted by many interventional pain specialists.Objective: To report a case of severe edema observed during the continuous epidural hydromorphone infusion trial.Case Report: An otherwise healthy 68-year-old lady with a 5-year history of severe low back pain and bilateral leg pain because of failed back surgery syndrome was referred to our clinic for IDD therapy.A tunneled lumbar epidural catheter was placed at L2- L3 with catheter tip advanced to L1 under fluoroscopic guidance. Satisfactory catheter placement was confirmed by epidurogram. The catheter was then tunneled subcutaneously and connected to a Microject™ patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) pump (Codman, Raynham, MA). The pump was programmed to deliver hydromorphone (0.1 mg/ml) at basal rate of 0.3 ml/h. The bolus dose was 0.1 ml with a 60-minute lockout interval. The patient was instructed how to operate the infusion pump. During the following infusion trial, she reported satisfactory analgesia (>70 percent pain reduction) and was able to wean off her other systemic opioids. However, she developed diffuse edema and gained over 16 pounds during the 5-day infusion trial. Her edema finally resolved 3-4 days after termination of the epidural infusion.Conclusion: Edema may occur and persist during epidural hydromorphone infusion. This report represents the first case report, to the best of our knowledge, describing severe edema in a patient on continuous epidural hydromorphone administration during an outpatient epidural infusion trial.

scholarly journals Long-Term Follow-Up of Inpatients with Failed Back Surgery Syndrome Who Received Integrative Korean Medicine Treatment: A Retrospective Analysis and Questionnaire Survey Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1703
Author(s):  
Ju-Hun Park ◽  
Kang-Eah Choi ◽  
Sang-Gyun Kim ◽  
Hui-Yeong Chu ◽  
Sang-Woon Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Analysis ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Korean Medicine ◽  
Failed Back Surgery ◽  
Back Surgery

Introduction: this study aimed to investigate the long-term clinical efficacy and satisfaction degree of integrative Korean medicine (KM) treatment for patients with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). Methods: we performed a follow-up questionnaire survey and retrospective analysis of medical records for patients with FBSS who underwent inpatient treatment for ≥ 1 week. The primary evaluation indices were numeric rating scale (NRS) scores for low back pain (LBP) and leg pain at admission and discharge. Sub-evaluation indices included the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and EuroQol 5-dimension (EQ-5D) score. The follow-up questionnaire survey obtained information regarding previous surgeries; reasons for satisfaction/dissatisfaction with surgical and KM treatment; and current status. Results: compared with at admission, there was a significant post-treatment decrease in the NRS scores for LBP and leg pain, as well as the ODI score. Further, there was a significant post-treatment increase in the EQ-5D score. Regarding the patients’ global impression of change for KM treatment administered during admission and at the follow-up questionnaire survey, 101 (95.3%) patients selected “minimally improved” or better. Conclusion: integrative KM treatment could effectively reduce pain, as well as improve function and health-related quality of life, in patients with FBSS.

scholarly journals High-Frequency Spinal Cord Stimulation at T9/10 in Patients With Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naoki Higashiyama ◽  
Takuro Endo ◽  
Taku Sugawara
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Stimulation ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Effective Treatment Option ◽  
Failed Back Surgery ◽  
Back Surgery

Abstract INTRODUCTION Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an effective treatment option for low back pain and radicular leg pain of failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). In a recent study, high-frequency spinal cord stimulation (HFSCS) was found to be more effective in treating chronic pain than traditional paresthesia-based low-frequency SCS (paresthesia SCS). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of paresthesia SCS and HFSCS in improving outcomes. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of patients who underwent paresthesia SCS or HFSCS between September 2016 and January 2019. Paresthesia SCS is generally characterized by programming stimulation parameters such that the patient experiences paresthesia, and the paresthesia topography overlaps the pain topography as much as possible. The patient in HFSCS had a placement of cylindrical lead at levels T9-10. Patients were programmed with the electrode overlying the inferior endplate of T9 (+) and the electrode overlying the superior endplate of T10 (–). RESULTS A total of 14 patients (4 males, 10 females) underwent paresthesia SCS implantation. Mean age was 77.2 ± 9.6 yr. A total of 5 patients (2 males, 3 females) underwent HFSCS implantation. Mean age was 78.2 ± 7.5 yr. Operative time was shorter for the HFSCS group compared to the paresthesia SCS group (53.4 ± 4.8 min vs 82.9 ± 20.3 min, respectively; P < .001). A total of 5 out of 5 patients in the HFSCS group (100%) and 10 out of 14 patients in the paresthesia SCS group (71.4%) achieved the outcome of 50% pain relief (P = .25) CONCLUSION To confirm paresthesia during the procedure in the elderly may be complicated by hearing/language difficulties or by sedative-related confusion. Compared to paresthesia SCS, HFSCS allows for lower operative times and a more efficient and accurate positioning of the electrodes.

scholarly journals Analysis of Subdural Injection During Lumbar Interlaminar Epidural Injection in Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 3132
Author(s):  
Jin Young Lee ◽  
Woo Seog Sim ◽  
Ji Yeong Kim ◽  
Yu Ri Ko ◽  
So Young Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Surgery ◽  
Epidural Injection ◽  
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Daily Life Activities ◽  
Pain Scores ◽  
Failed Back Surgery ◽  
Back Surgery ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Interlaminar Epidural Injection

Persistent or recurrent back and leg pain following spinal surgery, known as failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), significantly limits daily life activities. A lumbar epidural injection can reduce adhesions, inflammation, and nerve compression, although the epidural space can be distorted due to dura mater and epidural tissues changes after spinal surgery. This study analyzed subdural injection during lumbar epidural injection in FBSS patients. We retrospectively analyzed data from 155 patients who received a lumbar interlaminar epidural injection to manage FBSS. We grouped the patients based on the injected contrast medium appearance in the subdural (group S) or epidural spaces (group E) in fluoroscopic contrast images. Demographic, clinical, surgical and fluoroscopic data were recorded and evaluated, as were the pain scores before and after injection. There were 59 patients (38.1%) in the subdural group. Injection distance from the surgery level differed between the groups. Risk of subdural injection at level 1 distance from the surgery level had an odds ratio of 0.374, and at level ≥2, it was 0.172, when compared to level 0. Subdural incidence differed with the distance from surgical site. Physicians should strive to reduce subdural incidence when the injection is planned at surgery site in FBSS.

scholarly journals Migrating lumbar intrathecal catheter fragment associated with intracranial subarachnoid hemorrhage

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke Hnenny ◽  
Hatem A. Sabry ◽  
Jeffrey S. Raskin ◽  
Jesse J. Liu ◽  
Neil E. Roundy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Intrathecal Morphine ◽  
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome ◽  
Intrathecal Catheter ◽  
Head Ct ◽  
Failed Back Surgery ◽  
Back Surgery ◽  
History Of ◽  
Csf Diversion

Intrathecal catheter placement into the lumbar cistern has varied indications, including drug delivery and CSF diversion. These Silastic catheters are elastic and durable; however, catheter-associated malfunctions are well reported in the literature. Fractured catheters are managed with some variability, but entirely intradural retained fragments are often managed conservatively with observation. The authors describe a case of a 70-year-old man with an implanted intrathecal morphine pump for failed back surgery syndrome who presented to an outside hospital with a history of headache, neck pain, nausea, and photophobia of 3 days' duration. He also described mild weakness and intermittent numbness of both legs. Unenhanced head CT demonstrated subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). A right C-5 hemilaminectomy was performed. This case is unique in that there was no indication that the lumbar intrathecal catheter had fractured prior to the patient's presentation with SAH. This case demonstrates that intrathecal catheter fragments are mobile and can precipitate intracranial morbidity. Extrication of known fragments is safe and should be attempted to prevent further neurosurgical morbidity.

scholarly journals Neuropathic Pain after Spinal Surgery

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 642-652 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jae Hwan Cho ◽  
Jae Hyup Lee ◽  
Kwang-Sup Song ◽  
Jae-Young Hong
Keyword(s):  
Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Spinal Surgery ◽  
Complex Disease ◽  
Functional Disability ◽  
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Failed Back Surgery

<p>Neuropathic pain after spinal surgery, the so-called failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), is a frequently observed troublesome disease entity. Although medications may be effective to some degree, many patients continue experiencing intolerable pain and functional disability. Only gabapentin has been proven effective in patients with FBSS. No relevant studies regarding manipulation or physiotherapy for FBSS have been published. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been widely investigated as a treatment option for chronic neuropathic pain, including FBSS. SCS was generally accepted to improve chronic back and leg pain, physical function, and sleep quality. Although the cost effectiveness of SCS has been proved in many studies, its routine application is limited considering that it is invasive and is associated with safety issues. Percutaneous epidural adhesiolysis has also shown good clinical outcomes; however, its effects persisted for only a short period. Because none of the current methods provide absolute superiority in terms of clinical outcomes, a multidisciplinary approach is required to manage this complex disease. Further studies concerning the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and cost effectiveness of FBSS are warranted to deepen our understanding of this condition.</p>

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Treatment of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: An Outcome Analysis

Neurosurgery ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 636-644 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil Duggal ◽  
Ignacio Mendiondo ◽  
Heraldo R. Pares ◽  
Balraj S. Jhawar ◽  
Kaushik Das ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interbody Fusion ◽  
Perioperative Complications ◽  
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome ◽  
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Outcome Analysis ◽  
Lumbar Interbody Fusion ◽  
Disc Disease ◽  
Failed Back Surgery ◽  
Back Surgery

Abstract OBJECTIVE Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) has gained popularity for the treatment of degenerative disease of the lumbar spine. In this report, we present our experience with the ALIF procedure for treatment of failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) in a noncontrolled prospective cohort. METHODS In a 2-year period, we treated patients diagnosed with FBSS with ALIF. Clinical and radiological outcomes were recorded in a prospective, nonrandomized, longitudinal manner. Neurological, pain, and functional outcomes were measured preoperatively and 12 months after surgery. Operative data, perioperative complications, and radiological and clinical outcomes were recorded. RESULTS Thirty-three patients with a preoperative diagnosis of FBSS, with degenerative disc disease (n = 17), postsurgical spondylolisthesis (n = 13), or pseudarthrosis (n = 3), underwent ALIF. Back pain, leg pain, and functional status improved significantly, by 76% (P &lt; 0.01), 80% (P &lt; 0.01), and 67% (P &lt; 0.01), respectively. CONCLUSION On the basis of our results, we found ALIF to be a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of FBSS for selected patients.

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