Regional anesthesia and pain medicine
-
Reg Anesth Pain Med · May 2015
The training and careers of regional anesthesiology and acute pain medicine fellows, 2013.
Fellowships in regional anesthesiology and acute pain medicine (RAAPM) have grown exponentially during the past decade, both in terms of total programs and fellows trained. This survey-based study reports fellowship graduates' assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of their training and how the fellowship has affected their careers. ⋯ The results of this study should prove useful to fellowship directors as they refine the educational offerings of their programs.
-
Reg Anesth Pain Med · May 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialImpact of pregabalin on the occurrence of postthoracotomy pain syndrome: a randomized trial.
Postthoracotomy pain syndrome (PTPS) is a frequent cause of chronic postoperative pain. Pregabalin might reduce the incidence of chronic postoperative pain. The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of perioperative pregabalin on the occurrence of PTPS, defined as any surgical site pain 3 months after surgery. ⋯ Pregabalin did not reduce the incidence of PTPS in this study. Future research on PTPS should focus on the impact of regional analgesia on central sensitization.
-
Reg Anesth Pain Med · May 2015
Review Case ReportsThe parturient with implanted spinal cord stimulator: management and review of the literature.
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an approved treatment for complex regional pain syndrome and other chronic pain conditions. These devices enable women with chronic pain to maintain relatively normal lives, with some encountering pregnancy. Use of previously implanted SCS systems in pregnant women is considered controversial due to lack of long-term prospective studies evaluating both maternal and fetal safety. ⋯ Management approaches and outcomes in our patients, as well as those previously reported are discussed within this article. Definitive conclusions cannot be drawn from this small cohort. We believe that management of a parturient with an implanted SCS requires careful planning between all peripartum physicians.