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Background The ReCharge Trial demonstrated that a vagal blocking device (vBloc) is a safe and effective treatment for moderate to severe obesity. This report summarizes 24-month outcomes. Methods Participants with body mass index (BMI) 40 to 45 kg/m 2 , or 35 to 40 kg/m 2 with at least one comorbid condition were randomized to either vBloc therapy or sham intervention for 12 months. After 12 months, participants randomized to vBloc continued open-label vBloc therapy and are the focus of this report. Weight loss, adverse events, comorbid risk factors, and quality of life (QOL) will be assessed for 5 years. Results At 24 months, 123 (76 %) vBloc participants remained in the trial. Participants who presented at 24 months ( n  = 103) had a mean excess weight loss (EWL) of 21 % (8 % total weight loss [TWL]); 58 % of participants had ≥5 % TWL and 34 % had ≥10 % TWL. Among the subset of participants with abnormal preoperative values, significant improvements were observed in mean LDL (−16 mg/dL) and HDL cholesterol (+4 mg/dL), triglycerides (−46 mg/dL), HbA1c (−0.3 %), and systolic (−11 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressures (−10 mmHg). QOL measures were significantly improved. Heartburn/dyspepsia and implant site pain were the most frequently reported adverse events. The primary related serious adverse event rate was 4.3 %. Conclusions vBloc therapy continues to result in medically meaningful weight loss with a favorable safety profile through 2 years. Trial Registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01327976

BACKGROUND: Nerve blocks (greater occipital, lesser occipital, others) are commonly used, singly or in combination, to treat various forms of refractory headaches, including migraine and cervicogenic headaches. Their efficacy in treating posttraumatic headaches, however, particularly those unresponsive to medications or severely disabling, is not well documented. OBJECTIVES: To characterize the efficacy of nerve blocks in the treatment of posttraumatic headaches. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: A single-specialty outpatient neurology clinic. METHODS: Patients from January 2022 through July 2023 who fulfilled International Headache Society criteria for posttraumatic headache (i.e., new onset headache developing within the first week following head trauma) were included. A rigorous, comprehensive, and unbiased selection process was followed via Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Headaches were refractory to various treatments, including analgesic agents or headache prophylactic medications. The treatments the study patients received were a combination of nerve blocks, including greater, lesser, and third occipital nerve blocks, and supraorbital and supratrochlear nerve blocks. We used the percentage of pain improvement in order to assess the response to the blocks: minimal improvement (< 50%), moderate improvement (50–75%), and significant improvement (> 75%) pain relief. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients met the inclusion criteria; 15 were women (44%). The mean (SD) age was 43.11 ± 14 years. Of these 34, 28 stated a significant improvement in headache pain immediately following their injection. Twenty-one patients (75%) rated their response to nerve blocks as a >= 90% improvement in headaches. Six patients reported complete resolution of their headache pain. Expressed as percentage headache pain improvement, average pain improvement was 88%. Six patients reported moderate improvement of their headaches. Thirty-one patients reported an average headache improvement of 73% on Postprocedure Day One. Nineteen of these 31 patients had significant pain improvement from baseline, with 12 of them reaching a >= 90% pain improvement. Eight patients reported moderate improvement, while 4 had minimal headache pain improvement. Twenty-seven patients were available for a 3-month follow-up; they reported an average headache improvement of 73%. Thirteen of these patients reported significant improvement in their headache pain, with 12 of them having a >= 90% improvement in their headaches. Twelve patients reported moderate pain improvement, and 2 had minimal or no pain improvement. Nineteen patients returned for a 6-month follow-up; they reported an average pain improvement of 78%. Twelve patients reported significant pain improvement, with 11 having an improvement of >= 90%. Four patients reported moderate pain improvement, and 3 reported minimal or no pain improvement. Some patients experienced a biphasic response with partial headache recurrence at 3 months, followed by complete headache resolution at 6 months. LIMITATIONS: Several patients who received multiple nerve blocks were concurrently prescribed prophylactic medications for headache management. Later score improvements cannot be determined to be solely caused by the nerve blocks. CONCLUSION: This retrospective review offers preliminary but compelling evidence that nerve blocks are a highly effective option for patients with posttraumatic headaches who have not benefited from medication or who suffer from severe, incapacitating symptoms. KEY WORDS: Headache, nerve block, posttraumatic headache, concussion, postconcussive syndrome, greater occipital nerve block, lesser occipital nerve block, third occipital nerve block, supraorbital nerve block, supratrochlear nerve block

Background and objectiveAn ultrasound-guided anesthetic technique targeting the interspace between the popliteal artery and capsule of the posterior knee (iPACK) can provide posterior knee analgesia with preserved motor function after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study compared the peroneal nerve motor-sparing effects of iPACK block and tibial nerve block (TNB) when combined with local infiltration analgesia (LIA) and continuous adductor canal block (CACB).MethodsIn this study, 105 patients scheduled for elective TKA were randomized to receive proximal iPACK block (iPACK1), distal iPACK block (iPACK2), or TNB, along with spinal anesthesia, modified LIA, and CACB. The primary outcome was the incidence of common peroneal nerve (CPN) motor blockade. Secondary outcomes included CPN sensory function, tibial sensorimotor function, posterior knee pain, pain score, intravenous morphine requirement, timed up-and-go test, quadriceps muscle strength, range of motion, length of hospital stay, patient satisfaction, and adverse events.ResultsThe incidence of CPN motor blockade was significantly higher in the TNB group than in the iPACK1 (p=0.001) and iPACK2 (p=0.001) groups, but was not significant between the iPACK1 and iPACK2 groups (p=0.76). Tibial nerve motor function was more preserved in the iPACK1 and iPACK2 groups than in the TNB group (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). Complete CPN and tibial sensorimotor blockade were not observed in the iPACK2 group. Posterior knee pain score was significantly higher in the iPACK1 group than in other groups during the 24-hour postoperative period (p=0.001).ConclusionsCompared with TNB, iPACK1 and iPACK2 preserved CPN and tibial nerve motor function to a greater extent. However, iPACK2 did not demonstrate complete CPN and tibial nerve motor blockade while maintaining effective posterior knee pain relief.Trial registration numberTCTR20180206002.

BackgroundParavertebral nerve blocks (PVBs) are frequently used to treat pain during and following breast surgery, but have various undesirable risks such as pneumothorax. The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) also provides perioperative breast analgesia, but is purported to be easier to administer with a favorable safety profile. However, it remains unknown if the new ESPB provides comparable analgesia as the decades-old PVB technique.MethodsSubjects undergoing unilateral or bilateral non-mastectomy breast surgery were randomized to a single-injection ESPB or PVB in a subject-blinded fashion (ropivacaine 0.5% with epinephrine; 20 mL unilateral or 16 mL/side for bilateral). We hypothesized that (1) analgesia would be non-inferior in the recovery room as measured on a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) with ESPB, and (2) opioid consumption would be non-inferior in the operating and recovery rooms with ESPB.ResultsBoth pain scores and opioid consumption were higher in subjects with ESPBs (n=50) than PVBs (n=50; median NRS 3.0 vs 0; 95% CI −3.0 to 0; p=0.0011; and median morphine equivalents 2.0 vs 1.5 mg; 95% CI −1.2 to −0.1; p=0.0043). No block-related adverse events occurred in either group.ConclusionsPVBs provided superior analgesia and reduced opioid requirements following non-mastectomy breast surgery. To compare the relatively rare complications between the techniques will require a sample size 1–2 orders of magnitude greater than the current investigation; however, without a dramatic improvement in safety profile for ESPBs, it appears that PVBs are superior to ESPBs for postoperative analgesia after non-mastectomy breast surgery.Trial registration number NCT03549234.

Background and ObjectivesTruncal blocks have a place within multimodal analgesia techniques in abdominal surgery. The quadratus lumborum block is a new abdominal truncal block used for somatic analgesia of both the upper and lower abdomen. In this prospective, double-blind, randomized study, we aimed to compare quadratus lumborum block and transversus abdominis plane block in pediatric patients undergoing lower abdominal surgery.MethodsFifty-three children undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair or orchiopexy surgery were randomized into 2 groups: transversus abdominis plane block and quadratus lumborum block. All blocks were performed under general anesthesia before surgery. Pain levels were assessed using an FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) scale.ResultsThe study included 50 patients, after excluding 3 patients who were not eligible. The number of patients who required analgesia in the first 24 hours postoperatively was significantly lower in the quadratus lumborum block group (P < 0.05). In the quadratus lumborum block group, the postoperative 30-minute and 1-, 2-, 4-, 6-, 12-, and 24-hour FLACC scores were lower compared with those of the transversus abdominis plane block group (P < 0.05). Parent satisfaction scores were higher in the quadratus lumborum block group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe results of this study showed that in pediatric patients undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair or orchiopexy the quadratus lumborum block provided longer and more effective postoperative analgesia compared with the transversus abdominis plane block.Clinical Trials Registration: The trial was registered prospectively at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02715999).

Erector spinae plane (ESP) block is a novel regional anesthesia technique and gaining importance for postoperative pain management. Since it was first described, the clinicians wonder if this new simple technique can replace paravertebral block (PVB). We aimed to compare the postoperative analgesic effect of ESP block and PVB with a control group in breast surgeries. Randomized controlled trial. Operating room. Seventy-five ASA I–II patients aged 25–65, who were scheduled to go under elective unilateral breast surgery for breast cancer were included to the study. Patients were randomized into three groups as ESP, PVB, and Control group. Ultrasound (US) guided ESP block and PVB with 20 ml 0.25% bupivacaine was done preoperatively to the patients according to their groups. All patients were provided with iv patient-controlled analgesia device for postoperative analgesia. Morphine consumptions and numeric rating scale (NRS) scores for pain were recorded at 1st, 6th, 12th and 24th hours postoperatively. There was a statistically significant difference between ESP and Control groups (p < 0,001) and between PVB and Control groups (p < 0,001), while there was no difference between ESP and PVB groups (p > 0,05) for 24-hour morphine consumptions. There was a significant difference between PVB and Control groups for NRS at postoperative 1st and 6th hour (p = 0.018 and p = 0.027 respectively). This study has shown that US guided ESP block and PVB provided adequate analgesia in patients undergoing breast surgery and have an opioid sparing effect by reducing morphine consumption. Clinical Trials Registry: NCT03480958. •ESP block provides effective analgesia in breast surgery.•ESP block has lower risk of complications compared to TPV block.•Both ESP block and TPV block have a similar analgesic effect in breast surgery.

Background and ObjectivesThe interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB), a potent option to control pain after shoulder surgery, has notable adverse effects. The anterior suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) might provide comparable analgesia and cause less grip-strength impairment. These characteristics were studied in this randomized controlled patient- and assessor-blinded trial.MethodsOutpatients were randomized to single-shot ultrasound-guided SSNB (10 mL ropivacaine 1%) or ISB (20 mL ropivacaine 0.75%) before general anesthesia for arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Pain (Numerical Rating Scale, 0–10), grip strength, degree of satisfaction, and strength of recommendation were assessed.ResultsWe randomized 168 patients to each group and analyzed 164 in the SSNB group and 165 in the ISB group. Nerve blocks were successful in 98% of the patients from each group. Both procedures provided good postoperative analgesia, and the mean pain level for SSNB was slightly but significantly lower by 0.32 units (95% confidence interval, 0.18–0.46; P < 0.001) and noninferior given a margin of 1.1 units; P < 0.001. Within the first 24 hours, 162 (99%) of SSNB patients had unimpaired grip strength compared to 81 (49%) of ISB patients (P < 0.001). The multiple primary outcome, superior unimpaired grip strength, and noninferior pain control was significant; P < 0.001. Compared to ISB patients (n = 130 [79%]), significantly more SSNB patients (n = 150 [91%]) were satisfied/highly satisfied. Patients in the SSNB group were more likely to recommend the procedure highly.ConclusionsFor outpatients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery under general anesthesia, the SSNB seems preferable to ISB. It provides excellent postoperative analgesia without exposing patients to impaired mobility and to risks of the more potent but also more invasive ISB.

BackgroundWe compared the spread of an injectate into the thoracic sympathetic chain resulting from a single-injection intertransverse process (ITP) block with that of a single-injection PV block at the T2 level.MethodsSixteen soft-embalmed cadavers were used. The right hemithorax was randomly allocated to receive either an ultrasound-guided single-injection ITP block or ultrasound-guided single-injection PV block at the T2 vertebral level, with the opposite block administered to the other side. Approximately 10 mL of latex dye solution was injected into each hemithorax using a random allocation technique. The presence of dye at the nerve root in the sympathetic chain and intercostal nerves at the injection and additional levels was examined by dissection.ResultsThe injectate spread into the T2 sympathetic ganglion on both ITP (11/16, 68.8%) and PV (16/16, 100%) blocks. The ITP block demonstrated greater uniformity of dye staining in both the dorsal rami and dorsal root ganglion, which contrasts with the less consistent staining outcomes of the PV block in these regions.ConclusionsAt the T2 level, we observed a lower efficacy of the ITP block for analgesic coverage of the sympathetic nerve. This suggested a potential preference by clinicians for the application of the T2 PV block over the ITP block, specifically for the management of sympathetically maintained pain in the upper extremities. In addition, our findings may hint at the potential advantages of the ITP block in specific clinical contexts where targeted nerve involvement, such as the medial branch block or dorsal root ganglion block, is sought.

Purpose The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided pudendal nerve block (PNB) versus local anesthetic infiltration (LAI) in managing the pain. Methods This is a prospective, randomized, double-blinded trial, 78 patients undergoing procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (PPH) were randomly allocated to receive either ultrasound-guided PNB or LAI. Primary outcomes were postoperative pain scores using the visual analogue scale at multiple time points within the first 48 h. Secondary outcomes included tramadol consumption, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and quality of recovery-15 (QoR-15) scores. Results The trial ultimately involved 71 patients. Results showed that the PNB group had significantly lower pain scores at 6, 12, and 18 h postoperatively compared with the LAI group (all P  < 0.01), with no significant differences noted at 24 and 48 h. PNB group also had fewer patients requiring supplemental tramadol (5/36) than the LAI group (12/35) ( P  < 0.05) and experienced a delayed onset of pain (13.83 ± 11.21 h vs. 6.94 ± 2.88 h; P  < 0.001). Furthermore, the incidence of anal sphincter spasms was lower in the PNB group (5/36) compared with the LAI group (12/35) ( P  < 0.04). QoR-15 scores at 24 h postoperatively were significantly higher in the PNB group (119.11 ± 5.87) compared with the LAI group (112.03 ± 7.04) ( P  < 0.05), indicating a better early recovery experience. Patient satisfaction was higher in the PNB group (28/36 vs. 22/35, P  < 0.05). Conclusion Ultrasound-guided PNB was more effective than LAI in pain control and recovery quality. It can be considered an effective method for postoperative pain management in patients undergoing PPH surgery. Trial Registration This study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( https://www.chictr.org.cn/ , Registration No. ChiCTR-IPR-15006427) on May 21 st , 2015. 

BackgroundThis randomized trial compared ultrasound-guided pericapsular nerve group block and suprainguinal fascia iliaca block in patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty. We selected the postoperative incidence of quadriceps motor block (defined as paresis or paralysis of knee extension) at 6 hours as the primary outcome. We hypothesized that, compared with suprainguinal fascia iliaca block, pericapsular nerve group block would decrease its occurrence from 70% to 20%.MethodsForty patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia were randomly allocated to receive a pericapsular nerve group block (n=20) using 20 mL of adrenalized levobupivacaine 0.50%, or a suprainguinal fascia iliaca block (n=20) using 40 mL of adrenalized levobupivacaine 0.25%. After the performance of the block, a blinded observer recorded pain scores at 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 hours; cumulative breakthrough morphine consumption at 24 and 48 hours; opioid-related side effects; ability to perform physiotherapy at 24 and 48 hours; as well as length of stay. Furthermore, the blinded observer also carried out sensory assessment (of the anterior, lateral, and medial aspects of the mid-thigh) and motor assessment (knee extension and hip adduction) at 3, 6, and 24 hours.ResultsCompared with suprainguinal fascia iliaca block, pericapsular nerve group block resulted in a lower incidence of quadriceps motor block at 3 hours (45% vs 90%; p<0.001) and 6 hours (25% vs 85%; p<0.001). Furthermore, pericapsular nerve group block also provided better preservation of hip adduction at 3 hours (p=0.023) as well as decreased sensory block of the anterior, lateral, and medial thighs at all measurement intervals (all p≤0.014). No clinically significant intergroup differences were found in terms of postoperative pain scores, cumulative opioid consumption at 24 and 48 hours, ability to perform physiotherapy, opioid-related side effects, and length of hospital stay.ConclusionFor primary total hip arthroplasty, pericapsular nerve group block results in better preservation of motor function than suprainguinal fascia iliaca block. Additional investigation is required to elucidate the optimal local anesthetic volume for motor-sparing pericapsular nerve group block and to compare the latter with alternate motor-sparing strategies such as periarticular local anesthetic infiltration.Trial registration number NCT04402450.