Search

Aim: This study was carried out to determine the dose–response relationship of the effects of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) on the nerve root blood flow and the neurologic symptoms after lumbar decompressive surgery using laser Doppler flowmetry. Methods: Fifty-four patients undergoing lumbar laminectomy were randomly assigned to one of three groups. Each group received intravenously one of three test solutions; 10 ml of saline in group A (N = 18), 10 ml of saline containing PGE1, 20 μg, in group B (N = 18), and 10 ml of saline containing PGE1, 50 μg, in group C (N = 18). After lumbar laminectomy, a probe of laser Doppler flowmetry was placed directly on the lumbar nerve root. Nerve root blood flow (RBF) velocity was measured before the injection of test solution (T1), at 5 min (T2) and 10 min (T3) after starting injection, and 10 min after the end of injection (T4). A visual analogue scale (VAS) and the walking distance were measured for assessment of neurologic symptoms before and after surgery. Resu...

Background and objectives: It is known that ropivacaine produces a differential block for sensory and motor nerves with lower toxic potential than bupivacaine. This study was carried out to evaluate the comparative efficacy of ropivacaine and bupivacaine for lumbar epidural block in 16 outpatients with degenerative spinal disease. Methods: The study was performed in a prospective, randomized, double blind and crossover fashion. A single injection of 8 ml of 0.375% or 0.2% ropivacaine or 0.25% bupivacaine was given at the L4-5 interspace. Each subject received all of the test solutions at an interval of one week or more. The upper level of analgesia, pain and motor blockade were evaluated by pin prick, visual analogue scale (VAS), and Bromage scale, respectively, and the recovery times to mobilization, ambulation and spontaneous micturition were measured. Results: There was no significant difference in the upper level of analgesia and the reduction of VAS among the three trials. Bromage scale with...