Regional anesthesia and pain medicine
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Pain and suffering related to cancer are challenging issues that continue to deserve consideration for treatment optimization. Advances in analgesic management and control of the underlying cancer have improved symptom management, yet many patients still suffer from uncontrolled pain. ⋯ This review addresses several areas of controversy, including the importance of intrathecal catheter tip location, the necessity of an intrathecal trial and the role of intrathecal ziconotide and local anesthetics. In each area, the evidence is discussed, with an emphasis on presenting practical clinical guidance and highlighting deficiencies in our knowledge that are worthy of future investigation.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jun 2023
ReviewRole of patient selection and trial stimulation for spinal cord stimulation therapy for chronic non-cancer pain: a comprehensive narrative review.
Patient selection for spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy is crucial and is traditionally performed with clinical selection followed by a screening trial. The factors influencing patient selection and the importance of trialing have not been systematically evaluated. ⋯ Due to lack of a consistent approach to identify responders for SCS therapy, trialing complements patient selection to exclude patients who do not find the therapy helpful and/or intolerant of the SCS system. However, more rigorous and large studies are necessary to better evaluate its role.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jun 2023
Daring discourse: economics of neuromodulation for the treatment of persistent spinal pain syndrome and complex regional pain syndrome.
The treatment options for patients with chronic pain conditions are impacted by recent research, patient needs, and insurance coverage. Although various factors affect the cost of healthcare, the economic burden on the patient and the healthcare system must be considered when choosing the appropriate treatments for each patient. This Daring Discourse aims to review and further clarify existing economic evaluations and thus examine cost-effectiveness with regards to neuromodulation for the treatment of persistent spinal pain syndrome and complex regional pain syndrome. Specific consideration is given to spinal cord stimulation, as it is a widely studied and implemented neuromodulation modality for the treatment of these debilitating conditions.