Type-I complex regional pain syndrome of umbilical port site: An unforeseen complication of laparoscopic surgery

Truncal complex regional pain syndrome, myth or reality: Case report

Introduction

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is an under diagonised, chronic pain condition commonly described occurring in the extremities. Its occurrence in the trunk is rarely reported and is thought by some to be non existent.

Case presentation

We report an unusual case of trunkul CRPS post appendectomy which presented with debilitating pain and review relevant literature.

Discussion and conclusion

We recommend that subsequent descriptions and diagnostic criteria should include the trunk as a site of occurrence of CRPS and not just the extremities. This will help reduce under diagnosis of this important condition.

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CRPS can also occur in the trunk and not only limbs as previously thought.

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CRPS can also occur after appendicectomy and surgeons must be wary.

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Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for better outcome.

Abdominal wall Type-I complex regional pain syndrome treated effectively with peripheral nerve field stimulation: a case report

Chronic abdominal wall pain is a well-documented complication of abdominal surgery. However, abdominal wall complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a rare medical condition. We present a case of abdominal wall CRPS and its treatment with peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNfS). A 34-year-old female presented with right periumbilical pain for 2 years. She developed burning, sharp and stabbing pain with allodynia (extremely sensitive to wind and light touch) and erythema or pallor 2 weeks after an exploratory appendectomy. The extensive evaluation ruled out the underlining pathology. After she failed conservative therapies, she underwent a 7-day trial of thoracic spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and abdominal wall PNfS. Thoracic SCS failed to provide pain relief; however, PNfS provided significant relief (>90%) of burning sensation. It has now been 5 years since the PNfS was implanted and she continues to demonstrate substantial pain relief.

Feasibility of reduced port surgery applying Higuchi's transverse incision

Objective

Higuchi's transverse incision is made at a lower position than the Pfannenstiel transverse incision and is superior in terms of cosmetic outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine the safety and efficacy of novel forms of reduced port surgery for ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids applying Higuchi's transverse incision.

Methods

In 33 patients with ovarian cysts who underwent low-position single-incision laparoscopic surgery (L-SILS)-modified single-port laparoscopy placed in the 2-3-cm Higuchi's incision above the pubis, patient's characteristics and perioperative outcomes were compared with those of patients who underwent multiport laparoscopy (n = 53). In addition, 18 patients with uterine fibroids who underwent dual-port laparoscopically assisted myomectomy without using power morcellators and conventional four-port laparoscopically assisted myomectomy were investigated.

Results

There were no significant differences between L-SILS and multiport laparoscopy in tumor diameter, bleeding, hospital stay, or postoperative pain. However, the L-SILS group demonstrated significantly shorter operative and pneumoperitoneum times (p < 0.01 and p < 0.01). In comparison with cases of uterine fibroids, no significant differences were found in maximum fibroid diameter, operative time, pneumoperitoneum time, or bleeding. However, the dual-port laparoscopically assisted myomectomy group demonstrated a significantly shorter length of hospital stay than the conventional laparoscopically assisted myomectomy group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

We reported novel forms of reduced port surgery applying Higuchi's transverse incision. It was suggested that these procedures are relatively simple, but ensure the same safety and efficacy as conventional methods. We intend to increase the number of cases and examine safety, efficacy, and patient satisfaction for these procedures.