Spinal Cord Stimulation for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: to Trial or Not to Trial?

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a recommended therapy to treat failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). A trial period is practiced to enhance patient selection. However, its fundamental evidence is limited, especially concerning long-term benefit and therapy safety.

Surgical Paddle Electrode Implantation as a Rescue Therapy to Failed Percutaneous Leads in Failed Back Surgery Syndrome Patients.

Introduction: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) to treat failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) can be provided with either percutaneously or surgically implanted electrodes. Percutaneous electrodes are considered the first choice in many pain practices, but surgical paddle electrodes can also be indicated if a percutaneous electrode fails to retain sufficient pain relief or if percutaneous implantation is considered unachievable. Although the current efficacy of surgical paddle electrodes has been based mainly upon pain intensity scores, the evidence on surgical paddle electrodes as a rescue to failed percutaneous electrodes remains even more scarce.

Experiences From the Patient Perspective on Spinal Cord Stimulation for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: A Qualitatively Driven Mixed Method Analysis.

Introduction: When neither pharmacological therapies nor alternative interventions provide sufficient pain relief, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) can be used to treat Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS). Although it seems reasonable that quality of life (QoL)- and psychosocial-related factors contribute to the outcome of SCS since pain is a multidimensional experience, few qualitative studies have explored the expectations of SCS and experiences on SCS to treat FBSS from the patient perspective.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to qualitatively and quantitatively map the FBSS patients' experiences with SCS and the effects of SCS on low back pain caused by FBSS.

Patients' Expectations on Spinal Cord Stimulation for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: A Qualitative Exploration.

Background: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an effective therapy to reduce pain in patients who suffer from failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). In order to inform patients optimally prior to this therapy, knowing their expectations is crucial.

Methods: Thirteen patients suffering from FBSS and scheduled for SCS were interviewed using a semistructured protocol.

Neuromodulation of the Suprascapular Nerve.

Chronic intractable shoulder pain (CISP) is defined as shoulder pain which is present for longer than 6 months and does not respond to standard treatments like medication, physical therapy, rehabilitation, selective nerve blocks and local infiltrations, or orthopedic procedures. The etiology of CISP may be very diverse, varying from many orthopedic conditions to non-orthopedic conditions. The fact that the suprascapular nerve is one of the most important nerves supplying the shoulder region makes this nerve an interesting target in treating patients suffering shoulder pain.

[Neuromodulation in severe neuropathic pain].

Pain relief in patients with chronic neuropathic pain can be difficult to accomplish. If pharmacological treatment combined with a form of physical therapy and psychological support does not lead to improvement, nerve blocks and rehabilitation can be considered. Appropriately screened patients with persistent incapacitating pain may respond to neuromodulation.

Comparison of complication rates between umbilical and peripherally inserted central venous catheters in newborns.

Objective: To compare the complication rates between umbilical central venous catheters and peripherally inserted central venous catheters in newborns and to investigate whether other variables might increase complication rates.

Design: A retrospective observational study.

Setting: A Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Effectiveness of heparin solution versus normal saline in maintaining patency of intravenous locks in neonates: a double blind randomized controlled study.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of heparin versus saline as flush solution for maintaining patency in peripheral intravenous locks in neonates and to investigate whether other variables influence the longevity of intravenous locks.

Background: Heparin is usually used as a regular flush solution to prevent occlusion of peripheral intravenous locks in neonates. There is no clear recommendation using heparin or saline flushing peripheral intravenous locks in neonates.