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Seznec Y, Pachcinski M, Charier D, Créac'h C, Buhot B, Grange S, Vassal F. Percutaneous and Open Anterolateral Cordotomy for Intractable Cancer Pain: a Technical Note. Neurochirurgie 2024:101602. [PMID: 39341336 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuchi.2024.101602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 09/15/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anterolateral cordotomy (AL-C) is a long-established treatment for alleviating intractable cancer pain. However, AL-C has progressively fallen into desuetude, leading to the risk of a definitive loss of expertise within neurosurgical teams. Our objective was therefore to provide an update on percutaneous and open AL-C, with special emphasis on contemporary operative technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patient selection, indications, outcomes and up-to-date operative technique are reviewed through illustrative cases, including intraoperative photographs and video. RESULTS Main indications are represented by unilateral, nociceptive pain refractory to best pharmacological treatment in patients with limited life expectancy. Percutaneous AL-C is performed under cooperative sedation at C1-C2 level. CT myelography guidance and intraoperative electrophysiology allow accurate targeting of the spinothalamic tract (STT). Thermocoagulation is performed at 80 °C for 60 seconds during a Mingazzini maneuver, in order to promptly detect the potential onset of a motor weakness. Open AL-C is performed under general anesthesia at T2-T3 level. The dentate ligament is suspended to gently rotate the spinal cord and expose the anterolateral column. Section of the STT is made with a micro scalpel blade at a depth of 4-5 mm, from the dentate ligament to the emergence of ventral rootlets. Success rate after AL-C is high and allows a marked reduction in antalgic drugs intake. Main limitations include failure in achieving long-standing pain relief and the new occurrence of spontaneous, mirror pain. CONCLUSION AL-C is a safe and effective option for the management of opioid-resistant cancer pain, which should be part of the neurosurgeon's armamentarium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yann Seznec
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Saint-Etienne, France.
| | | | - David Charier
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital of Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Christelle Créac'h
- Pain Management Department, University Hospital of Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Benjamin Buhot
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Sylvain Grange
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Saint-Etienne, France
| | - François Vassal
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Saint-Etienne, France; NEUROPAIN Lab, INSERM U1028, University Jean Monnet, Saint-Etienne, France
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Leclerc A, Di Palma C, Emery E. Open thoracic cordotomy for intractable cancer pain: a how I do it. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2023; 165:2197-2200. [PMID: 37392278 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-023-05696-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some cancers of the lower extremity involve nerves and plexuses and can produce extreme drug-resistant noceptive pain. In these cases, open thoracic cordotomy can be proposed. METHOD This procedure involves disruption of the spinothalamic tract, which sustains nociceptive pathways. After placement in the prone position, selection of the side to be operated on (contralateral to the pain), and dura exposure, microsurgery is used to section the anterolateral spinal cord quadrant previously exposed by gently pulling on the dentate ligament. CONCLUSION Open thoracic cordotomy is a moderate invasive, safe, and effective option for the management of drug-resistant unilateral lower extremity cancer pain in well-selected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Leclerc
- Department of Neurosurgery, Service de Neurochirurgie, CHU de Caen, Avenue de La Côte de Nacre, 14000, Caen, France.
- UNICAEN, ISTCT/CERVOxy Group, UMR6030, GIP CYCERON, Normandy University, Caen, France.
| | - Camille Di Palma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Service de Neurochirurgie, CHU de Caen, Avenue de La Côte de Nacre, 14000, Caen, France
| | - Evelyne Emery
- Department of Neurosurgery, Service de Neurochirurgie, CHU de Caen, Avenue de La Côte de Nacre, 14000, Caen, France
- INSERM, UMR-S U1237, GIP Cyceron, Physiopathology and Imaging of Neurological Disorders (PhIND), 14000, Caen, France
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3
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Zomers PJW, Groeneweg G, Baart S, Huygen FJP. Percutaneous Cervical Cordotomy for the Treatment of Cancer Pain: A Prospective Case Series of 52 Patients with a Long-Term Follow-Up. Pain Pract 2021; 21:557-567. [PMID: 33350042 DOI: 10.1111/papr.12991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study is to describe the effects of percutaneous cervical cordotomy (PCC) on pain, opioid consumption, adverse events, and satisfaction in palliative care patients with cancer pain after PCC until end of life. METHODS This is a prospective observational case series of 58 PCCs in 52 consecutive patients. Indication for PCC was unilateral cancer pain with a maximum numeric rating scale (NRS) of pain above 5 despite maximal conservative treatment. The PCC was fluoroscopy guided. A radiofrequency lesion was made at 95°C for 20 seconds. The pain location and pain scores, analgesic medication, the cranial and caudal borders of dermatomes hypoesthetic for pin pricks, dysesthesia, urinary retention, Horner's syndrome, muscle strength, Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) score, patient satisfaction, hospital anxiety and distress score (HADS), and RAND 36 score were evaluated at 1 day; 1 and 6 weeks; and 3, 6, 9, 12 18, and 24 months after PCC, or until death if death occurred during the follow-up period. RESULTS Pain relief after PCC was intense (change in median maximum NRS from 9 to 0) and persistent. Median opioid use per day was 240 mg (145 to 565 mg) before PCC and 55 mg (0 to 120 mg) after PCC. The upper and lower borders of dermatomes hypoesthetic for pin pricks were stable over time. The most common side effects were short-term (< 1 week) neck pain (28%), dysesthesia (40%), and mild loss of muscle strength (11%). Approximately 83% of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the results of PCC 1 week after the procedure, and this percentage remained high in the long term. There was no significant change in the KPS score, HADS, and RAND 36 score. CONCLUSION Percutaneous cervical cordotomy is an effective treatment for unilateral cancer pain. The reduction in pain, reduction in opioid consumption, and hypoesthetic area remain stable until death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J W Zomers
- Pain Department, Bravis Hospital, Roosendaal, The Netherlands
| | - George Groeneweg
- Center for Pain Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sara Baart
- Center for Pain Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J P Huygen
- Center for Pain Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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4
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Visnjevac O, Ma F, Abd-Elsayed A. A Literature Review of Dorsal Root Entry Zone Complex (DREZC) Lesions: Integration of Translational Data for an Evolution to More Accurate Nomenclature. J Pain Res 2021; 14:1-12. [PMID: 33442287 PMCID: PMC7800708 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s255726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this translational review was to provide evidence to support the natural evolution of the nomenclature of neuromodulatory and neuroablative radiofrequency lesions for pain management from lesions of individualized components of the linear dorsal afferent pathway to “Dorsal Root Entry Zone Complex (DREZC) lesions.” Literature review was performed to collate anatomic and procedural data and correlate these data to clinical outcomes. There is ample evidence that the individual components of the DREZC (the dorsal rami and its branches, the dorsal root ganglia, the dorsal rootlets, and the dorsal root entry zone) vary dramatically between vertebral levels and individual patients. Procedurally, fluoroscopy, the most commonly utilized technology is a 2-dimensional x-ray-based technology without the ability to accurately locate any one component of the DREZC dorsal afferent pathway, which results in clinical inaccuracies when naming each lesion. Despite the inherent anatomic variability and these procedural limitations, the expected poor clinical outcomes that might follow such nomenclature inaccuracies have not been shown to be prominent, likely because these are all lesions of the same anatomically linear sensory pathway, the DREZC, whereby a lesion in any one part of the pathway would be expected to interrupt sensory transmission of pain to all subsequent more proximal segments. Given that the common clinically available tools (fluoroscopy) are inaccurate to localize each component of the DREZC, it would be inappropriate to continue to erroneously refer to these lesions as lesions of individual components, when the more accurate “DREZC lesions” designation can be utilized. Hence, to avoid inaccuracies in nomenclature and until more accurate imaging technology is commonly utilized, the evidence herein supports the proposed change to this more sensitive and inclusive nomenclature, “DREZC lesions.” ![]()
Point your SmartPhone at the code above. If you have a QR code reader the video abstract will appear. Or use: https://youtu.be/BVBDOHy-eAI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ognjen Visnjevac
- Department of Anesthesia, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Cleveland Clinic Canada, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Spine Pain Program, Bloor Pain Specialists, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Frederick Ma
- Spine Pain Program, Bloor Pain Specialists, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alaa Abd-Elsayed
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
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5
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Peev N, Komarov A, Osorio-Fonseca E, Zileli M. Rehabilitation of Spinal Cord Injury: WFNS Spine Committee Recommendations. Neurospine 2020; 17:820-832. [PMID: 33401859 PMCID: PMC7788409 DOI: 10.14245/ns.2040270.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is accompanied by a significant number of complications associated with damage to the spinal cord, gross functional impairments leading to limited self-care and movement, leading to a high level of disability, social and psychological maladaptation of the patients. Besides, pain and spasticity negatively affect rehabilitation programs. This search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE database. All studies published in English language (n = 16,297) were considered for inclusion. Of all studies evaluating rehabilitation in SCI patients (n = 80) were included. Based on the literature review the faculty of the WFNS Spine Committee created statements covering different aspects of the contemporary rehabilitation process of the SCI patients. The prepared statements were subjected to discussions, followed by anonymous voting process by the members of the WFNS Spine Committee. As result of the diccussions and the voting process the statements were modified and published as recommendations of the WFNS Spine Committee. The care for the SCI has gone a long way from the times after the World War II when these patients were considered hopeless in terms of any functional recovery, to the contemporary comprehensive rehabilitation programs. The rehabilitation is important part of the modern comprehencive treatment of SCI patients nowadays. The current manuscript reflects different aspects of the contemporary rehabilitaton process and decision makings, which were discussed by the faculty of the WFNS Spine Committee resulting in issuing of the following recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay Peev
- Department of Neurosurgery, Belfast HS Care Trust, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Alexander Komarov
- Department of Adaptive Physical Culture and Recreation, Russian State Social University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Enrique Osorio-Fonseca
- El Bosque University, Bogotá Colombia, Neurosurgery LosCobos Medical Center, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Mehmet Zileli
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
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6
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Berger A, Hochberg U, Zegerman A, Tellem R, Strauss I. Neurosurgical ablative procedures for intractable cancer pain. J Neurosurg 2020; 133:144-151. [PMID: 31075782 DOI: 10.3171/2019.2.jns183159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cancer patients suffering from severe refractory pain may benefit from targeted ablative neurosurgical procedures aimed to disconnect pain pathways in the spinal cord or the brain. These patients often present with a plethora of medical problems requiring careful consideration before surgical interventions. The authors present their experience at an interdisciplinary clinic aimed to facilitate appropriate patient selection for neurosurgical procedures, and the outcome of these interventions. METHODS This study was a retrospective review of all patients who underwent neurosurgical interventions for cancer pain in the authors' hospital between March 2015 and April 2018. All patients had advanced metastatic cancer with limited life expectancy and suffered from intractable oncological pain. RESULTS Sixty patients underwent surgery during the study period. Forty-three patients with localized pain underwent disconnection of the spinal pain pathways: 34 percutaneous-cervical and 5 open-thoracic cordotomies, 2 stereotactic mesencephalotomies, and 2 midline myelotomies. Thirty-nine of 42 patients (93%) who completed these procedures had excellent immediate postoperative pain relief. At 1 month the improvement was maintained in 30/36 patients (83%) available for follow-up. There was 1 case of hemiparesis.Twenty patients with diffuse pain underwent stereotactic cingulotomy. Nineteen of these patients reported substantial pain relief immediately after the operation. At 1 month good pain relief was maintained in 13/17 patients (76%) available for follow-up, and good pain relief was also found at 3 months in 7/11 patients (64%). There was no major morbidity or mortality. CONCLUSIONS With careful patient selection and tailoring of the appropriate procedure to the patient's pain syndrome, the authors' experience indicates that neurosurgical procedures are safe and effective in alleviating suffering in patients with intractable cancer pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assaf Berger
- 1Department of Neurosurgery
- 6Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Uri Hochberg
- 4Institute of Pain Medicine; and
- 6Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Alexander Zegerman
- 5Division of Anesthesiology, Tel Aviv Medical Center; and
- 6Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Rotem Tellem
- 3The Palliative Care Service
- 6Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ido Strauss
- 1Department of Neurosurgery
- 2Neuromodulation Unit
- 6Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Maxwell DJ, Soteropoulos DS. The mammalian spinal commissural system: properties and functions. J Neurophysiol 2019; 123:4-21. [PMID: 31693445 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00347.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Commissural systems are essential components of motor circuits that coordinate left-right activity of the skeletomuscular system. Commissural systems are found at many levels of the neuraxis including the cortex, brainstem, and spinal cord. In this review we will discuss aspects of the mammalian spinal commissural system. We will focus on commissural interneurons, which project from one side of the cord to the other and form axonal terminations that are confined to the cord itself. Commissural interneurons form heterogeneous populations and influence a variety of spinal circuits. They can be defined according to a variety of criteria including, location in the spinal gray matter, axonal projections and targets, neurotransmitter phenotype, activation properties, and embryological origin. At present, we do not have a comprehensive classification of these cells, but it is clear that cells located within different areas of the gray matter have characteristic properties and make particular contributions to motor circuits. The contribution of commissural interneurons to locomotor function and posture is well established and briefly discussed. However, their role in other goal-orientated behaviors such as grasping, reaching, and bimanual tasks is less clear. This is partly because we only have limited information about the organization and functional properties of commissural interneurons in the cervical spinal cord of primates, including humans. In this review we shall discuss these various issues. First, we will consider the properties of commissural interneurons and subsequently examine what is known about their functions. We then discuss how they may contribute to restoration of function following spinal injury and stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Maxwell
- Spinal Cord Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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8
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Monaco BAD, Lopes AJM, Teixeira MJ. Ultrasound-Guided DREZotomy: Technical Note. Stereotact Funct Neurosurg 2019; 97:127-131. [PMID: 31266040 DOI: 10.1159/000500491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Dorsal root entry zone (DREZ) lesioning is still used as a choice of treatment for some painful conditions as well as spasticity in selected patients. The most commonly used techniques to perform DREZotomy are the microsurgical one and DREZ radiofrequency (RF) coagulation. The technical difficulties using punctures to perform RF lesions include complications such as occurrence of lesions in the dorsal columns or in the corticospinal tract. This paper describes a new technical improvement in RF lesions at DREZ using intraoperative ultrasound (US) to optimize the lesions and to minimize the risk of complications. Using intraoperative US after laminotomy allows the surgeon to differentiate between the gray matter of the spinal cord and white matter, showing the correct entry zone, the angle to introduce the RF electrode, and the depth. Using intraoperative US to guide DREZ lesions provides real-time optimization of DREZotomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo Assumpção de Monaco
- Division of Functional Neurosurgery, Hospital das Clínicas, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil, .,Associação de Assistência à Criança Deficiente - AACD, Sao Paulo, Brazil,
| | - Arthur José Maia Lopes
- Division of Functional Neurosurgery, Hospital das Clínicas, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Manoel Jacobsen Teixeira
- Division of Functional Neurosurgery, Hospital das Clínicas, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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9
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Bing N, Yonsheng H, Wei T, Wei S, Hongwei Z. Dorsal Root Entry Zone Lesion for Neuropathic Pain Due to Thoracolumbar Spine Fracture: Long-Term Result. World Neurosurg 2019; 125:e1050-e1056. [PMID: 30776514 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.01.242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To retrospectively evaluate long-term efficacy and safety of dorsal root entry zone (DREZ) lesion for treatment of neuropathic pain within the lower extremities and perineal region after thoracolumbar spine fracture. METHODS Forty-two patients were treated with posterior laminectomy under general anesthesia. The DREZ regions of the spinal cord segments were ablated under a microscope. Data regarding pain relief, pain variation over time, and postoperative complications were collected. The relationship between injured spinal column segment, spinal cord, nerve root, and pain territory were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS Spinal column injury segments were located between T12 and L4. Pain territories were distributed between the T11 and S5 dermatomes with varying ranges, at an average of 2-6 segments higher than the spinal cord injury segments. Pain relief rate was 100% in 21 patients (50.0%) and was over 50% in 14 patients (33.3%). Eighteen patients (42.9%) developed temporary tingling in the upper edge of the spinal cord lesion segment after surgery. Of the 4 patients with unilateral lower extremity pain, 2 developed postoperative persistent pain in the contralateral lower extremity. CONCLUSIONS For patients with neuropathic pain of the lower extremities and/or the perineal region after thoracolumbar spine fracture, pain within the lower extremities was mostly because of nerve root injury. Pain in the perineal region caused by L1 fracture was attributed to spinal cord injury segmental pain. Nerve root injury pain had a good prognosis after DREZ lesion; the effect of DREZ lesion for spinal cord injury segmental pain may be uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Bing
- Being Institute of Functional Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Hu Yonsheng
- Being Institute of Functional Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Wei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shu Wei
- Being Institute of Functional Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhu Hongwei
- Being Institute of Functional Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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10
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Wilson S, Nagel SJ, Frizon LA, Fredericks DC, DeVries-Watson NA, Gillies GT, Howard MA. The Hemisection Approach in Large Animal Models of Spinal Cord Injury: Overview of Methods and Applications. J INVEST SURG 2018; 33:240-251. [PMID: 30380340 DOI: 10.1080/08941939.2018.1492048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Translating basic science research into a safe and effective therapy for spinal cord injury (SCI) requires suitable large animal models for testing both implantable devices and biologic approaches to better approximate human anatomy and function. Hemisection lesions, routinely used for investigational purposes in small animals, are less frequently described in large animals that might be appropriate for translational studies. Size constraints of small animals (mice and rats) limits the predictability of the findings when scaled up. Our goal is to review the status of hemisection SCI in large animals across species and time to prepare for the testing of a novel intradural spinal cord stimulation device for control of spasticity in an ovine model. Methods and Results: We surveyed the literature on hemisection in quadrupeds and nonhuman primates, and catalogued the species, protocols and outcomes of the experimental work in this field. Feline, lapine, canine, simian, porcine, ovine and bovine models were the primary focal points. There is a consistent body of literature reporting use of the hemisection approach in large animals, but with differences in surgical technique depending on the goals and nature of the individual studies. While the injuries are not always consistent, the experimental variability is generally lower than that of the contusion-based approach. In general, as the body size of the animal increases, animal care requirements and the associated costs follow. In most cases, this is inversely correlated with the number of animals used in hemisection models. Conclusions: The hemisection approach to modeling SCI is straightforward compared with other methods such as the contusive impact and enables the transection of isolated ascending and descending tracts and segment specific cell bodies. This has certain advantages in models investigating post-injury axonal regrowth. However, this approach is not generally in line with the patho-physiologies encountered in SCI patients. Even so, the ability to achieve more control over the level of injury makes it a useful adjunct to contusive and ischemic approaches, and suggests a useful role in future translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Wilson
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - S J Nagel
- Center for Neurological Restoration, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - L A Frizon
- Center for Neurological Restoration, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - D C Fredericks
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - N A DeVries-Watson
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - G T Gillies
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - M A Howard
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
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12
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Steel D, Kirkman MA, Thompson DNP, Aquilina K. Open thoracic anterolateral cordotomy for pain relief in children: report of 2 cases. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2017; 20:278-283. [PMID: 28686123 DOI: 10.3171/2017.5.peds17119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Open anterolateral cordotomy is an effective treatment option for adults with intractable pain, but it has seldom been attempted in children. In the 2 previously reported cases in children, the procedure was used within 10 days of death from neoplastic disease. In this paper the authors describe 2 cases in which open cordotomy was used successfully in children outside the immediate terminal phase of disease. Both patients experienced effective analgesia with minimal adverse effects. The authors propose that consideration of cordotomy as an option for the management of intractable pain in children does not need to be delayed until death is imminent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Steel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew A Kirkman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dominic N P Thompson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kristian Aquilina
- Department of Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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13
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Abreu V, Vaz R, Rebelo V, Rosas MJ, Chamadoira C, Gillies MJ, Aziz TZ, Pereira EAC. Thalamic Deep Brain Stimulation for Neuropathic Pain: Efficacy at Three Years' Follow-Up. Neuromodulation 2017. [PMID: 28631870 DOI: 10.1111/ner.12620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECT Chronic neuropathic pain is estimated to affect 3-4.5% of the worldwide population, posing a serious burden to society. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is already established for movement disorders and also used to treat some "off-label" conditions. However, DBS for the treatment of chronic, drug refractory, neuropathic pain, has shown variable outcomes with few studies performed in the last decade. Thus, this procedure has consensus approval in parts of Europe but not the USA. This study prospectively evaluated the efficacy at three years of DBS for neuropathic pain. METHODS Sixteen consecutive patients received 36 months post-surgical follow-up in a single-center. Six had phantom limb pain after amputation and ten deafferentation pain after brachial plexus injury, all due to traumas. To evaluate the efficacy of DBS, patient-reported outcome measures were collated before and after surgery, using a visual analog scale (VAS) score, University of Washington Neuropathic Pain Score (UWNPS), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). RESULTS Contralateral, ventroposterolateral sensory thalamic DBS was performed in sixteen patients with chronic neuropathic pain over 29 months. A postoperative trial of externalized DBS failed in one patient with brachial plexus injury. Fifteen patients proceeded to implantation but one patient with phantom limb pain after amputation was lost for follow-up after 12 months. No surgical complications or stimulation side effects were noted. After 36 months, mean pain relief was sustained, and the median (and interquartile range) of the improvement of VAS score was 52.8% (45.4%) (p = 0.00021), UWNPS was 30.7% (49.2%) (p = 0.0590), BPI was 55.0% (32.0%) (p = 0.00737), and SF-36 was 16.3% (30.3%) (p = 0.4754). CONCLUSIONS DBS demonstrated efficacy at three years for chronic neuropathic pain after traumatic amputation and brachial plexus injury, with benefits sustained across all pain outcomes measures and slightly greater improvement in phantom limb pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasco Abreu
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Vaz
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Departmento de Neurocirugia, Hospital de São João, Porto, Portugal.,Center for Neurosciences CUF Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Virgínia Rebelo
- Departamento de Psicologia, Hospital São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria José Rosas
- Center for Neurosciences CUF Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Departamento de Neurologia, Hospital São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Clara Chamadoira
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Departmento de Neurocirugia, Hospital de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Martin J Gillies
- Department of Neurosurgery and Nuffield Department of Surgery, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Tipu Z Aziz
- Departmento de Neurocirugia, Hospital de São João, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Neurosurgery and Nuffield Department of Surgery, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Erlick A C Pereira
- Departmento de Neurocirugia, Hospital de São João, Porto, Portugal.,Academic Neurosurgery Unit, St. George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
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14
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Shepherd TM, Hoch MJ, Cohen BA, Bruno MT, Fieremans E, Rosen G, Pacione D, Mogilner AY. Palliative CT-Guided Cordotomy for Medically Intractable Pain in Patients with Cancer. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2016; 38:387-390. [PMID: 27811129 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a4981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Palliative cervical cordotomy can be performed via percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of the lateral C1-2 spinothalamic tract. This rare procedure can be safe, effective, and advantageous in mitigating medically intractable unilateral extremity pain for selected patients with end-stage cancer. This report reviews the indications, techniques, risks, and potential benefits of cordotomy. We describe our recent experience treating 3 patients with CT-guided C1-2 cordotomy and provide the first characterization of spinal cord diffusion MR imaging changes associated with successful cordotomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Shepherd
- From the Department of Radiology (T.M.S., M.J.H., B.A.C., M.T.B., E.F.) .,Center for Advanced Imaging Innovation and Research (T.M.S., E.F.)
| | - M J Hoch
- From the Department of Radiology (T.M.S., M.J.H., B.A.C., M.T.B., E.F.)
| | - B A Cohen
- From the Department of Radiology (T.M.S., M.J.H., B.A.C., M.T.B., E.F.)
| | - M T Bruno
- From the Department of Radiology (T.M.S., M.J.H., B.A.C., M.T.B., E.F.)
| | - E Fieremans
- From the Department of Radiology (T.M.S., M.J.H., B.A.C., M.T.B., E.F.).,Center for Advanced Imaging Innovation and Research (T.M.S., E.F.)
| | - G Rosen
- Departments of Medicine (G.R.)
| | - D Pacione
- Neurosurgery (D.P., A.Y.M.), New York University, New York, New York
| | - A Y Mogilner
- Neurosurgery (D.P., A.Y.M.), New York University, New York, New York
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15
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Teixeira MJ, da Paz MGDS, Bina MT, Santos SN, Raicher I, Galhardoni R, Fernandes DT, Yeng LT, Baptista AF, de Andrade DC. Neuropathic pain after brachial plexus avulsion--central and peripheral mechanisms. BMC Neurol 2015; 15:73. [PMID: 25935556 PMCID: PMC4429458 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-015-0329-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
REVIEW The pain that commonly occurs after brachial plexus avulsion poses an additional burden on the quality of life of patients already impaired by motor, sensory and autonomic deficits. Evidence-based treatments for the pain associated with brachial plexus avulsion are scarce, thus frequently leaving the condition refractory to treatment with the standard methods used to manage neuropathic pain. Unfortunately, little is known about the pathophysiology of brachial plexus avulsion. Available evidence indicates that besides primary nerve root injury, central lesions related to the abrupt disconnection of nerve roots from the spinal cord may play an important role in the genesis of neuropathic pain in these patients and may explain in part its refractoriness to treatment. CONCLUSIONS The understanding of both central and peripheral mechanisms that contribute to the development of pain is of major importance in order to propose more effective treatments for brachial plexus avulsion-related pain. This review focuses on the current understanding about the occurrence of neuropathic pain in these patients and the role played by peripheral and central mechanisms that provides insights into its treatment. Pain after brachial plexus avulsion involves both peripheral and central components; thereby it is characterized as a mixed (central and peripheral) neuropathic pain syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoel Jacobsen Teixeira
- Pain Center, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
- Pain Center, Instituto do Câncer de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
- Service of Interdisciplinary Neuromodulation (SIN), Department and Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | - Mauro Tupiniquim Bina
- Functional Electrostimulation Laboratory, Federal University of Bahia, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | - Irina Raicher
- Pain Center, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
- Pain Center, Instituto do Câncer de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Ricardo Galhardoni
- Pain Center, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
- Service of Interdisciplinary Neuromodulation (SIN), Department and Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | - Lin T Yeng
- Pain Center, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
- Centro de Dor, Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Abrahão F Baptista
- Functional Electrostimulation Laboratory, Federal University of Bahia, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Daniel Ciampi de Andrade
- Pain Center, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
- Pain Center, Instituto do Câncer de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
- Service of Interdisciplinary Neuromodulation (SIN), Department and Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
- Divisão de Clínica Neurocirúrgica do Hospital das Clínicas da FMUSP, Secretaria da Neurologia, Instituto Central, Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 255, 5° andar, sala 5084 - Cerqueira César, 05403-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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