Benefit of pain and function after cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injections, an observational study.

Objective: To evaluate the improvement of pain and function after cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injections (CTFESI) for radicular pain.

Design: This is a retrospective observational study of patients receiving fluoroscopically-guided cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injections under a single provider at a tertiary referral center from December 2013 to December 2020. Primary outcome measures were Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), patient reported percent of pain relief, the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global Health Physical and Mental Health score, and the Pain Disability Questionnaire.

Evolution of lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis with key radiographic features.

Spondylolisthesis is a common finding in middle-aged and older adults with back pain. The pathophysiology of degenerative spondylolisthesis is a subject of controversy regarding not only its etiology but also the mechanisms of its progression. It is theorized that degeneration of the facets and discs can lead to segmental instability, leading to displacement over time.

Effect of air, anesthetic gas mixture, saline, or 2% lignocaine used for tracheal tube cuff inflation on coughing and laryngotracheal morbidity after tracheal extubation.

Background And Aims: Coughing and sore throat postoperatively are common clinical problems during general anesthesia which can be avoided by various methods including topicalization of airway with local anesthetics, endotracheal tube cuff (ETT) inflation with local anesthetics, use of intravenous drugs such as dexamethasone, maintaining ETT cuff pressure, intubation by an experienced anethesiologist, etc. The aims of the study were to compare postextubation coughing response, mean number of cuff deflations required intraoperatively, and postoperative airway morbidity in terms of sore throat (2 h and 18-24 h), hoarseness of voice, and dysphagia following inflation of ETT cuff with air, anesthetic gas mixture, saline, and 2% lignocaine during general anesthesia.

Material And Methods: One hundred and four patients were randomized into 1 of 4 groups depending on whether air, anesthetic gas mixture, saline, or 2% lignocaine was used to inflate the cuff of ETT using computer-generated randomization table.

Comparison of laryngeal mask airway CTrach™ and Airtraq videolaryngoscopes as conduits for endotracheal intubation in patients with simulated limitation of cervical spine movements by manual in-line stabilization.

Background And Aims: Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) CTrach™ and Airtraq videolaryngoscopes are useful for endotracheal intubation in patients with limited cervical spine movements and other predicted difficult airways. We aimed to compare LMA CTrach™ and Airtraq videolaryngoscopes as conduits for endotracheal intubation in patients with simulated limitation of cervical spine movements by manual in-line stabilization (MILS).

Material And Methods: This was a prospective, randomized study including 50 patients undergoing elective surgeries under general anesthesia.

Evaluation of effect of entropy monitoring on isoflurane consumption and recovery from anesthesia.

Background And Aims: Entropy monitoring entails measurement of the effect of anesthetic on its target organ rather than merely the concentration of anesthetic in the brain (indicated by alveolar concentration based on which minimum alveolar concentration [MAC] is displayed). We proposed this prospective randomised study to evaluate the effect of entropy monitoring on isoflurane consumption and anesthesia recovery period.

Material And Methods: Sixty patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy under general anesthesia using an endotracheal tube were enrolled in either clinical practice (CP) or entropy (E) group.

Comparison of polyvinyl chloride, curved reinforced, and straight reinforced endotracheal tubes for tracheal intubation through Airtraq™ laryngoscope in anesthetized patients.

Background And Aims: The Airtraq™ video laryngoscope facilitates tracheal intubations in patients with difficult airway or cervical spine immobilization. However, curved reinforced tracheal tube and straight reinforced tracheal tubes are useful where neck of the patient is likely to be moved or flexed or if patient is in prone position, wherein nonreinforced endotracheal tube (ETT) might get kinked and/or compressed. We compared intubation success rate of curved and straight reinforced tracheal tubes with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tracheal tube using Airtaq™ laryngoscope in paralyzed and anesthetized patients.

Glutathione species and metabolomic prints in subjects with liver disease as biological markers for the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: The incidence of liver disease is increasing in USA. Animal models had shown glutathione species in plasma reflects liver glutathione state and it could be a surrogate for the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods: The present study aimed to translate methods to the human and to explore the role of glutathione/metabolic prints in the progression of liver dysfunction and in the detection of HCC.

Radiographic mislead: apparent arterial placement of subclavian central venous catheter due to mediastinal shift.

Optimal placement of central venous catheters (CVC) is essential for accurate monitoring of central venous pressure (CVP) in major surgeries and ensuring long-term use of the catheter for managing the critically ill patient. Accidental subclavian artery catheterization is one of the most serious complications of the procedure. Radiography is commonly used to ensure optimal placement of CVC tip and rule out subclavian artery catheterization in the absence of Doppler ultrasound and a pressure transducer.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy for nonresectable tumors of the pancreas.

Background: Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has emerged as a potential treatment option for local tumor control of primary malignancies of the pancreas. We report on our experience with SBRT in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who were found not to be candidates for surgical resection.

Methods: The prospective database of the first 20 consecutive patients receiving SBRT for unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinomas and a neuroendocrine tumor under an IRB approved protocol was reviewed.

Long-term potency after iodine-125 radiotherapy for prostate cancer and role of sildenafil citrate.

Objectives: To assess the long-term sexual potency and attrition in sexual function after iodine-125 ((125)I) seed radiotherapy and the effect of sildenafil on radiation-induced erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods: This prospective study consisted of 86 sexually active patients (mean age 63.5 +/- 7.

Long-term effect of sildenafil citrate on erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy: 3-year follow-up.

Objectives: To evaluate the long-term effect and safety of sildenafil citrate for the treatment of erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy (RP).

Methods: The study consisted of 91 patients with erectile dysfunction from our institution who received oral sildenafil citrate after RP. We surveyed these patients using a self-administered questionnaire during the first year of sildenafil citrate use to determine treatment satisfaction, patient compliance, and safety.