Dorsal root ganglion stimulation for patients with chronic pelvic pain: A retrospective review of patient experiences and long-term outcomes.

Introduction: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a refractory condition that has physical, emotional, and financial impacts on patients. Dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRGS) is a promising interventional modality for patients with refractory CPP, however studies of long-term outcomes are limited. We aim to present the results from a retrospective review of 31 patients with CPP treated using DRGS.

Impact of Racial and Socioeconomic Disparities on Access to Interspinous Spacer for Treatment of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Nationwide Medicare Analysis.

Background: In mild to moderate lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) where conservative care treatments fail, minimally invasive treatments, such as interspinous spacers without decompression or fusion (ISD), may be appropriate. While previous studies have demonstrated racial and socioeconomic disparities in the surgical treatment of LSS, there are limited data on how those factors impact accessibility to these procedures. This study explored demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic differences in the use of ISD.

Long-Term Reductions in Opioid Medication Use After Spinal Stimulation: A Claims Analysis Among Commercially-Insured Population.

Purpose: Chronic, non-cancer pain significantly and negatively impacts patient quality of life. Neuromodulation is a major component of multi-modal interdisciplinary approaches to chronic pain management, which includes opioid and nonopioid medications. In randomized controlled trials, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been shown to reduce pain and decrease short-term opioid use for patients.

Associations between chronic pain, anxiety, and depression among adults in the United States.

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the associations of depression and anxiety with chronic pain among U.S. adults.

Virtual reality for procedural education: Lumbar medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy.

Virtual reality (VR) simulation is an emerging tool in medical education. Simulation conducted in VR can reproduce procedural scenarios and allow for immersive interaction with anatomic models. This has the potential to improve understanding of anatomy and concepts relevant to interventional procedures.

The Role of Transversus Abdominis Plane Blocks in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Pathways for Open and Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery.

Introduction: The concepts of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) have steadily increased in usage, with benefits in patient outcomes and hospital length of stay. One important component of successful implementation of ERAS protocol is optimized pain control, via the multimodal approach, which includes neuraxial or regional anesthesia techniques and reduction of opioid use as the primary analgesic. Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is one such regional anesthesia technique, and it has been widely studied in abdominal surgery.