Liposomal bupivacaine for ultrasound-guided rectus sheath blocks after midline laparotomy

Optimal pain management after open abdominal surgery is essential but can be difficult to achieve. The effects of inadequate analgesia go beyond the first few postoperative days; severe acute postoperative pain may contribute to the development of chronic postsurgical pain. Thoracic epidural analgesia is a traditional approach to the management of acute pain after open abdominal surgery but has multiple possible contraindications and can be technically challenging. In our hospital, we typically offer ultrasound-guided rectus sheath blocks with catheters when epidural analgesia is not feasible. However, the recent registration of long-acting liposomal bupivacaine in the Netherlands as well as logistical and equipment-related issues have led us to consider liposomal bupivacaine as an alternative to the use of catheters. Here, we present a short case series to describe our first clinical experiences with the use of liposomal bupivacaine in ultrasound-guided rectus sheath blocks after midline laparotomy for three patients in whom epidural insertion was contraindicated.

Strain reduction screws for nonunions following fixation around the elbow - A case series and review of the literature

Background

Nonunions following fracture fixation result in significant patient morbidity and financial burden. Traditional operative management around the elbow consists of removal of metalwork, debridement of the nonunion and re-fixation with compression, often with bone grafting. Recently, some authors in the lower limb literature have described a minimally invasive technique used for select nonunions where simply placing screws across the nonunion facilitates healing by reducing inter-fragmentary strain. To our knowledge, this has not been described around the elbow, where traditional more invasive techniques continue to be employed.

Aims

The aim of this study was to describe the application of strain reduction screws for management of select nonunions around the elbow.

Methods & Results

We describe 4 cases (two humeral shaft, one distal humerus and one proximal ulna) of established nonunion following previous internal fixation, where minimally invasive placement of strain reduction screws were used. In all cases, no existing metal work was removed, the nonunion site was not opened, and no bone grafting or biologic stimulation was used. Surgery was performed between 9 and 24 months after the original fixation. 2.7 mm or 3.5 standard cortical screws were placed across the nonunion without lagging. Three fractures went on to unite with no further intervention required. One fracture required revision fixation using traditional techniques. Failure of the technique in this case did not adversely affect the subsequent revision procedure and has allowed refinement of the indications.

Conclusion

Strain reduction screws are safe, simple and effective technique to treat select nonunions around the elbow. This technique has potential to be a paradigm shift in the management of these highly complex cases and is the first description in the upper limb to our knowledge.

Denying the Truth Does Not Change the Facts: A Systematic Analysis of Pseudoscientific Denial of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Purpose

Several articles have claimed that complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) does not exist. Although a minority view, it is important to understand the arguments presented in these articles. We conducted a systematic literature search to evaluate the methodological quality of articles that claim CRPS does not exist. We then examined and refuted the arguments supporting this claim using up-to-date scientific literature on CRPS.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane CENTRAL databases. Inclusion criteria for articles were (a) a claim made that CRPS does not exist or that CRPS is not a distinct diagnostic entity and (b) support of these claims with subsequent argument(s). The methodological quality of articles was assessed if possible.

Results

Nine articles were included for analysis: 4 narrative reviews, 2 personal views, 1 letter, 1 editorial and 1 case report. Seven points of controversy were used in these articles to argue that CRPS does not exist: 1) disagreement with the label “CRPS”; 2) the “unclear” pathophysiology; 3) the validity of the diagnostic criteria; 4) CRPS as a normal consequence of immobilization; 5) the role of psychological factors; 6) other identifiable causes for CRPS symptoms; and 7) the methodological quality of CRPS research.

Conclusion

The level of evidence for the claim that CRPS does not exist is very weak. Published accounts concluding that CRPS does not exist, in the absence of primary evidence to underpin them, can harm patients by encouraging dismissal of patients’ signs and symptoms.

Design of an Endoscopic Full-Thickness Lesion Removal Device

Gastroenterologists would like to remove, through endoscopy, full-thickness lesions in the stomach, but currently there are no surgical devices capable of sealing the wound left after the lesion is removed. This paper describes the design, analysis, and prototyping of a device meant to address this problem. The device is intended to be used in conjunction with currently available endoscopes and comprises five key components including spikes, a beam, a hinge, a latch, and a positioning mechanism. Trials of positioning and placing a clamp on an in vitro pig stomach tissue were successfully completed.