Ultrasound, Fluoroscopic-Guided Caudal, Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections and Blinding Paraspinal Lumbosacral Steroid Injections in Patients with Low Back Pain with Radiculopathy

Background and Aims: Low back pain (LBP) is considered one of the most common health conditions in the world right now, and it affects many individuals throughout different stages of their lives. Chronic LBP (CLBP) was estimated to be between 5% and 10%, defined as LBP that lasts for 12 weeks. The most common causes of CLBP with radiculopathy are lumbar disc prolapse (LDP) and degenerative facet osteoarthropathy (DFO);the aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of ultrasound (US) guided, fluoroscopy (FL) guided, Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection (CESI), lumbar epidural steroid injections (LESI), and blinding lumbosacral steroid injections (LSPSI) in patients with CLBP with radiculopathy. Patients and Methods: This is a randomized prospective study that was conducted at the department of rheumatology at Al Azhar University Hospital in Egypt between November 2020 and August 2021. A total of 100 patients with refractory CLBP with radiculopathy were enrolled in the study. Consequently, they were divided into 2 groups: the first consisted of fifty patients with CLBP and radiculopathy caused by LDP, as determined by lumbosacral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the second group consisted of fifty patients with refractory low back pain and radiculopathy caused by DFO, as determined by lumbosacral plain x-rays and lumbosacral MRI. The following procedures were performed: US-guided CESI, FL-guided CESI, FL-guided LESI, US-guided LESI, and blinding LSPSI. Results: In the LDP group, there is a statistically significant difference between considered spinal nerve roots as regards Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (at 2 months). Likewise, a statistically significant difference was found between blinding LSPSI and US-Guided LESI with respect to VAS (baseline) and VAS (2 months) (P-value = 0.018 and 0.003, respectively). Statistically significant differences were reported in VAS (2 months) for both FL-guided LESI and FL-guided CESI groups. Considering the VAS of studied spinal nerve roots in the DFO group, there is a statistically significant difference between the examined spinal nerve roots with respect to Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) (2 months). Similarly, there is a statistically significant difference in VAS (2 months) between US-guided LESI and para-spinal roots and FL-guided LESI and para-spinal roots (P-value = 0.038 and 0.021, respectively). Additionally, there is a statistically significant difference between the US-guided CESI, FL-guided CESI, FL-guided LESI, and spinal nerve roots with respect to ODI (at 2 months). (P-value = 0.033, 0.025 and 0.005, respectively). Conclusion: US is excellent in guiding CESI and LESI and should be the preferred alternative when FL is not provided, with a similar treatment outcome compared to FL-CESI and LESI.

Application of dezocine patient-controlled epidural analgesia in postoperative analgesia in patients with total myomectomy

BACKGROUND Uterine fibroids are common benign gynecological conditions.Patients who experience excessive menstruation,anemia,and pressure symptoms should be administered medication,and severe cases require a total hysterectomy.This procedure is invasive and causes severe postoperative pain,which can affect the patient’s postoperative sleep quality and,thus,the recovery process.AIM To evaluate use of dezocine in patient-controlled epidural analgesia(PCEA)for postoperative pain management in patients undergoing total myomectomy.METHODS We selected 100 patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy for uterine fibroids and randomized them into two groups:A control group receiving 0.2%ropivacaine plus 0.06 mg/mL of morphine and an observation group receiving 0.2%ropivacaine plus 0.3 mg/mL of diazoxide in their PCEA.Outcomes assessed included pain levels,sedation,recovery indices,PCEA usage,stress factors,and sleep quality.RESULTS The observation group showed lower visual analog scale scores,shorter postoperative recovery indices,fewer mean PCEA compressions,lower cortisol and blood glucose levels,and better polysomnographic parameters compared to the control group(P<0.05).The cumulative incidence of adverse reactions was lower in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Dezocine PCEA can effectively control the pain associated with total myomectomy,reduce the negative impact of stress factors,and have less impact on patients’sleep,consequently resulting in fewer adverse effects.

Rare giant intradural epidural hemolymphangioma:A case report

BACKGROUND Hemolymphangioma is a rare,noninvasive benign tumor that originates from vascular and lymphatic malformations.It is usually congenital and can present with varying symptoms depending on its location and size.There are very few reports of hemolymphangiomas within the spinal canal,and giant lesions are exceptionally rare.CASE SUMMARY In July 2023,a 64-year-old male with a giant intravertebral epidural hemolymphangioma from thoracic 11 to lumbar 2(T11-L2)was admitted to the Department of Spine Surgery at the People's Hospital of Binzhou City,China.The patient experienced progressive lumbar and left lower limb pain,numbness,weakness in both lower limbs,and difficulty with urination and defecation.Imaging studies revealed a large cystic mass in the spinal canal at T11-L2.Surgical decompression was performed,and the pathology confirmed hemolymphangioma.CONCLUSION Complete resection of hemolymphangiomas has the best prognosis,and final diagnosis relies on pathologic diagnosis.In this case,the mass was removed intact with a pedicle nail rod system,leading to adequate spinal decompression and restoration of spinal stability.

Why do thoracic epidurals fail?A literature review on thoracic epidural failure and catheter confirmation

Thoracic epidural anesthesia(TEA)has been the gold standard of perioperative analgesia in various abdominal and thoracic surgeries.However,misplaced or displaced catheters,along with other factors such as technical challenges,equipment failure,and anatomic variation,lead to a high incidence of unsatisfactory analgesia.This article aims to assess the different sources of TEA failure and strategies to validate the location of thoracic epidural catheters.A literature search of PubMed,Medline,Science Direct,and Google Scholar was done.The search results were limited to randomized controlled trials.Literature suggests techniques such as electrophysiological stimulation,epidural waveform monitoring,and x-ray epidurography for identifying thoracic epidural placement,but there is no one particular superior confirmation method;clinicians are advised to select techniques that are practical and suitable for their patients and practice environment to maximize success.

Catheter-Assisted Interlaminar Approach for Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection in Patient with Cervical Stenosis Caused by Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament: A Case Report

We present the case of a 64-year-old man with cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) experiencing chronic neck pain and radiculopathy for 6 months. A catheter-assisted interlaminar Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection (CESI) was performed under fluoroscopic guidance, targeting the affected C2-C6 levels. Significant improvement was observed after this procedure, with decreased pain scores (visual analogue scale (VAS) 8 to 2) and improved mobility. This technique not only enhances the effectiveness of CESI but also reduces the likelihood of complications such as stroke or epidural hematoma and thus provides an alternative treatment option for patients with multiple stenotic levels who are unsuitable for surgery or are unresponsive to conservative therapy such as medication or physical therapy.

Safety and effectiveness of butorphanol in epidural labor analgesia:A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Epidural analgesia is the most effective analgesic method during labor.Butorphanol administered epidurally has been shown to be a successful analgesic method during labor.However,no comprehensive study has examined the safety and efficacy of using butorphanol as an epidural analgesic during labor.AIM To assess butorphanol's safety and efficacy for epidural labor analgesia.METHODS The PubMed,Cochrane Library,EMBASE,Web of Science,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,and Google Scholar databases will be searched from inception.Other types of literature,such as conference abstracts and references to pertinent reviews,will also be reviewed.We will include randomized controlled trials comparing butorphanol with other opioids combined with local anesthetics for epidural analgesia during labor.There will be no language restrictions.The primary outcomes will include the visual analog scale score for the first stage of labor,fetal effects,and Apgar score.Two independent reviewers will evaluate the full texts,extract data,and assess the risk of bias.Publication bias will be evaluated using Egger's or Begg's tests as well as visual analysis of a funnel plot,and heterogeneity will be evaluated using the Cochran Q test,P values,and I2 values.Meta-analysis,subgroup analysis,and sensitivity analysis will be performed using RevMan software version 5.4.This protocol was developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)Protocols statement,and the PRISMA statement will be used for the systematic review.RESULTS This study provides reliable information regarding the safety and efficacy of using butorphanol as an epidural analgesic during labor.CONCLUSION To support clinical practice and development,this study provides evidence-based findings regarding the safety and efficacy of using butorphanol as an epidural analgesic during labor.

A Structured Method of Teaching Epidural Block reduces the incidence of accidental dural puncture in inexperienced trainees.

Background: The rate of accidental dural puncture is particularly high during the period of training, especially in novices. The structured epidural teaching model (SETM) includes three standardized video lessons, the construction of a 3D epidural module by trainees and practical training by using an epidural simulator with and without the CompuFlo™ Epidural instrument. In this study we report the retrospective analysis of the accidental dural puncture rate of inexperienced trainees during their 6 months clinical practice rotation in obstetrics before and after the introduction of the SETM in our Institution. Method: We evaluated the incidence of accidental dural puncture before the introduction of the SETM methodology and afterwards by analyzing our departmental database from February 2019 to January 2023. All epidural blocks were executed by trainees who had never previously performed an epidural block and were about to begin their obstetrics rotation. Results: We analyzed 7415 epidurals: 3703 were performed before the introduction of the SETM methodology (control group) and 3712 afterwards (study group). The incidence of accidental dural puncture was 0.37% for the control group and 0.13% for the study group (p<.05). The probability of making an accidental dural puncture was 64% (OR: 0.36) lower for trainees who had the training than for those who did not. Conclusions: After the introduction of the structured teaching method, we observed a significant reduction of accidental dural puncture during the training period. We hope that our observation will encourage a constructive discussion among experts about the need to use standardized and validated tools as a valuable aid in teaching epidural anesthesia.

Unique method for removal of knotted lumbar epidural catheter: A case report

BACKGROUND Combined spinal-epidural(CSE)anesthesia is the preferred anesthesia method for cesarean delivery.The use of an epidural catheter is essential for administering additional drugs intraoperatively and managing postoperative pain.However,the insertion of epidural catheters is associated with various complications,such as total spinal anesthesia,symptoms indicative of spinal nerve root irritation,and challenges in epidural catheter removal.CASE SUMMARY We present a case report of a challenging epidural catheter removal due to knotting.The lumbar computed tomography scan results revealed that the catheter formed a tight knot in the epidural space.We used a novel extubation method and successfully removed the catheter.CONCLUSION The operator can use opposite forces to"spiral"apart the spinal joints by positioning the patient's body in a specific position.The findings indicate that,when combined with imaging examination results,this method is effective for the removal of epidural catheters.

Management of a Retained Epidural Catheter in a Pregnant Patient: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Background: Epidural anesthesia is an effective intervention to treat labor pain and provide analgesia for orthopedic procedures. A rare complication of this technique is epidural catheter retention. Case Presentation: In this case report, we present an otherwise healthy 21-year-old G2P0010 woman at 39 weeks and 3 days gestation whose anesthetic management was complicated by a symptomatic retained epidural catheter fragment. Computed tomography (CT) imaging of her spine showed the fractured catheter within her paraspinal muscles and neurosurgery recommended no surgical intervention at that time. The patient reported resolution of back pain while in the postpartum unit which she continues to endorse two weeks after discharge. Conclusion: Retained epidural catheter is a medical emergency that requires immediate imaging and neurological evaluation. While magnetic resonance imaging is typically regarded as the standard imaging modality for this complication, in epidural sets that contain metallic components, we suggest using CT to avoid the risk of thermal nerve damage. In cases where the patient does not report any acute complaints, nonsurgical management may be appropriate but close follow-up is required to monitor for catheter migration.

Advances in epidural labor analgesia:Effectiveness and treatment strategies of butorphanol

In this editorial,we provide a critical review of the article by Tang et al published in the World J Clin Cases,focusing on the utilization of butorphanol for epidural analgesia during labor.Our discussion encompasses recent research developments in epidural labor analgesia,specifically highlighting the current status of clinical applications of butorphanol and associated treatment approaches.Epidural analgesia is widely acknowledged as the primary method for pain management during labor,offering effective and prolonged pain relief while allowing mothers to remain alert and actively participate in the delivery process.Among the various drugs utilized for epidural labor analgesia,butorphanol has received increasing attention due to its potential efficacy and distinctive pharmacological properties.As a synthetic opioid analgesic,butorphanol exhibits both agonistic and antagonistic activity on opioid receptors,striking a balance between analgesia and minimizing side effects.Nevertheless,the safety and efficacy of butorphanol in epidural labor analgesia remains controversial.While certain studies have reported positive outcomes with butorphanol,including effective pain relief and a reduced incidence of side effects,others have raised concerns about its safety and efficacy compared to traditional opioids or alternative analgesics.In addition,the optimal dosing strategy and regimen of butorphanol as an adjuvant in epidural labor analgesia still need to be verified.Through comprehensive synthesis and analysis of existing literature,we aim to evaluate the current evidence regarding the use of butorphanol for epidural labor analgesia,delineate areas of consensus and controversy,and propose future avenues for research and clinical practice in this domain.

Background diseases and the number of previous intravitreal aflibercept injections on immediate intraocular pressure increase and vitreous reflux rate in phakic eyes

●AIM:To evaluate the effect of background diseases and number of previous intravitreal aflibercept injections(IVAIs)on immediate intraocular pressure(IOP)increase and vitreous reflux(VR)rate and to evaluate the correlation of both age and axial length with immediate IOP increase and VR rate.●METHODS:This study included 105 patients with cystoid macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion,35 patients with diabetic macular edema,69 patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration(nAMD),and 12 patients with myopic choroidal neovascularization,which underwent first-time IVAI.The correlation of immediate IOP increase and VR rates with the four background diseases was investigated.Moreover,the correlation of age with immediate IOP increase and VR rate as well as correlation of axial length with immediate IOP increase and VR rate were evaluated.Further,54 patients with nAMD were treated with IVAI>10 times(multiple IVAIs).Moreover,the correlation of immediate IOP increase and VR rates with first-time and multiple IVAIs in nAMD was determined.●RESULTS:The immediate IOP increase(P=0.16)and VR rates(P=0.50)were almost similar among the four background diseases.The immediate postinjection IOP and age,VR rate and age,immediate postinjection IOP and axial length,or VR rate and axial length were not correlated in the four background diseases.The immediate IOP increase(P=0.66)and VR rates(P=0.28)did not significantly differ between first-time and multiple IVAIs in nAMD.●CONCLUSION:Background diseases and number of previous IVAIs have no effect on immediate IOP increase and VR rate.Further,age and axial length have no correlation on immediate IOP increase and VR rate.

Accuracy of shoulder joint injections with ultrasound guidance:Confirmed by magnetic resonance arthrography

BACKGROUND Intra-articular glenohumeral joint injections are essential procedures for treating various shoulder disorders. Fluoroscopy-guided injections have been extensively used;however, they pose a risk of radiation exposure and are expensive and timeconsuming. Recently, it has been suggested that ultrasound-guided injections are accurate and cost effective procedures.AIM To evaluate the accuracy of ultrasound-guided glenohumeral injections using a posterior approach that is confirmed using magnetic resonance arthrography(MRA).METHODS The study included 179 shoulders of patients with recurrent anterior instability(150 patients;103 and 76 right and left shoulders, respectively;160 males and 19 females;average age = 20.5 years;age range: 14-63 years) who underwent MRA for preoperative diagnosis. They were injected with 12 m L lidocaine(1%) using the ultrasound-guided posterior approach and then underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Two shoulder surgeons, except for the injector, evaluated the transverse relaxation(T2)-weighted images of axial planes and classified the intraarticular condition of injected contrast into three groups based on one of the three following scenarios: no leakage, injection into the glenohumeral joint without leakage;minor leakage, practical intra-articular injection with some leakage outside the posterior rotator cuffs;and major leakage, inaccurate injection with mass leakage without any contrast into the joint. The inter-rater reliability between two assessors was also evaluated by calculating Cohen’s kappa coefficient. The learning curve was assessed regarding the inaccurate injection rate by analyzing Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.RESULTS Of the 179 injections, 163 shoulders(91.0%) had no leakage, 10 shoulders(5.6%) had minor leakage, and six shoulders(3.4%) had major leakage. In total, 173 shoulders(96.6%) were intraarticularly injected;thus, we could detect anterior labrum and capsular pathologies. Regarding the inter-rater reliability, the kappa coefficient was 0.925, indicating consistency in the evaluations by both examiners. Regression analysis of the inaccurate injection rate for assessingtechnical learning showed a logarithmic curve with a downward trend(R;= 0.887, P < 0.001). Three(50%) of the six inaccurate injections classified into “major leakage” were observed in the first 30 injections, indicating that the accurate injection showed a leaning effect.CONCLUSION Ultrasound-guided intra-articular glenohumeral injections using a posterior approach had high accuracy;however, injection accuracy depends on clinical experience.

Multiple different remote epidural hematomas after craniotomy:A case report

BACKGROUND Epidural hematoma is one of the common postoperative complications after craniotomy.However,multiple remote epidural hematomas in different sites,including supratentorial and infratentorial regions,are exceedingly rare.CASE SUMMARY We present a rare case in which three remote epidural hematomas occurred after craniotomy.A 21-year-old woman was admitted with a headache for 1 mo,vomiting,and rapid vision loss for 1 wk.Brian magnetic resonance imaging indicated a right thalamic tumor.The intraoperative diagnosis was a cystic tumor,posterior cerebral artery aneurysm,and vascular malformation.The operation was successful.Unfortunately,the patient developed three extradural hematomas within 48 h.Family members consented to the first two hematoma evacuations but refused the third.CONCLUSION More attention should be paid to this kind of rare complication.Adequate preoperative evaluation is important,especially for acute patients.Monitoring neural function and early computed tomography scanning of the brain after surgery should be highlighted.

Onyx embolization of a spinal epidural hemorrhage caused by thoracic spinal epidural arteriovenous fistula:A case report and literature review

Spinal epidural hemorrhages(SEDH)caused by spinal epidural arteriovenous fistulas(SEAVFs)are rare;thus,their specific pathogenesis has not been explained.Furthermore,the standard treatment for SEAVFs has not yet been defined.Here we report the case of a 36-year-old Chinese man who experienced acute onset chest pain and tightness.His symptoms rapidly aggravated until the lower limbs were unable to support him.Spinal magnetic resonance angiography(MRA)revealed a localized SEAVF and a secondary spinal cord lesion at the T4 level.Digital subtraction angiography(DSA)confirmed the presence of the SEDH/SEAVF at the T3–4 level with the left radicular artery feeding the fistula.Based on DSA and MRA findings,SEDH,local spinal cord infarction,and spinal venous reflux disorder were conditionally diagnosed.Using the arterial route,Onyx-34 was injected into the fistula to embolize the feeding arteries and the venous system.Angiography was performed after the microcatheter was withdrawn,and no residual fistula or anterior spinal artery was observed.The six-week follow-up MRI showed acceptable healing of the SEAVF,and the patient improved neurologically.This case suggests that endovascular treatment with Onyx-34 embolization should be considered a promising treatment strategy for this type of complicated SEAVF.

Intraarticular injections(corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid, platelet rich plasma) for the knee osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis(OA)is a complex"whole joint"disease pursued by inflammatory mediators,rather than purely a process of"wear and tear".Besides cartilage degradation,synovitis,subchondral bone remodeling,degeneration of ligaments and menisci,and hypertrophy of the joint capsule take parts in the pathogenesis.Pain is the hallmark symptom of OA,but the extent to which structural pathology in OA contributes to the pain experience is still not well known.For the knee OA,intraarticular(IA)injection(corticosteroids,viscosupplements,blood-derived products)is preferred as the last nonoperative modality,if the other conservative treatment modalities are ineffective.IA corticosteroid injections provide short term reduction in OA pain and can be considered as an adjunct to core treatment for the relief of moderate to severe pain in people with OA.IA hyaluronic acid(HA)injections might have efficacy and might provide pain reduction in mild OA of knee up to 24 wk.But for HA injections,the costeffectiveness is an important concern that patients must be informed about the efficacy of these preparations.Although more high-quality evidence is needed,recent studies indicate that IA platelet rich plasma injections are promising for relieving pain,improving knee function and quality of life,especially in younger patients,and in mild OA cases.The current literature and our experience indicate that IA injections are safe and have positive effects for patient satisfaction.But,there is no data that any of the IA injections will cause osteophytes to regress or cartilage and meniscus to regenerate in patients with substantial and irreversible bone and cartilage damage.

Dural puncture epidural technique provides better anesthesia quality in repeat cesarean delivery than epidural technique:Randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND Repeat cesarean deliverys involve a longer surgery and more severe visceral traction than primary cesarean deliverys.The dural puncture epidural(DPE)technique provides faster and more effective analgesia for labor,but there is no sufficient evidence to indicate whether it is suitable for parturients undergoing repeat cesarean delivery.AIM To determine the efficacy and safety of the DPE anesthesia technique in patients undergoing repeat cesarean delivery.METHODS Patients undergoing repeat cesarean delivery were randomly divided into the DPE and epidural anesthesia(EA)groups.A 25-G spinal needle was used for dural puncture via a 19-G epidural needle.The patients in the two groups were injected with 5 mL of 2%lidocaine followed by 15 mL of a mixture of 1%lidocaine+0.5%ropivacaine as the epidural dosage.The primary outcome was the onset time of sensory block to the T6 dermatome level and the sensory and motor block degree.RESULTS A total of 115 women were included(EA:57,DPE:58).The mean time to sensory block to the T6 Level was significantly shorter in the DPE group than in the EA group(14.7 min vs 16.6 min;95%confidence interval,13.9 to 15.4 vs 15.8 to 17.4;P=0.001).The cranial sensory block level was significantly higher at 5,10,and 15 min after the initial dose in the DPE group than in the EA group(P<0.05).The sacral sensory block level was significantly higher and the modified bromage score was significantly lower in the DPE group at each time point(P<0.05).Adverse effects and neonatal outcomes were comparable between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION The DPE technique provided higher-quality anesthesia than the EA technique,with a rapid onset of surgical anesthesia,better cranial and sacral sensory block spread and a higher motor block degree,without increasing the incidence of maternal or fetal side effects in patients undergoing repeat cesarean delivery.

Effect of different lens status on intraocular pressure elevation in patients treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections

AIM: To assess the effect of lens status on sustained intraocular pressure(IOP) elevation in patients treated intravitreally with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) agents. METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected for all patients treated with intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF medication at a tertiary medical center in July 2015. Findings were analyzed by lens status during 6 months' follow-up. The main outcome measure was a sustained increase in IOP(≥21 mm Hg or change of ≥6 mm Hg from baseline on ≥2 consecutive visits, or addition of a new IOPlowering medication during follow-up). RESULTS: A total of 119 eyes of 100 patients met the study criteria: 40 phakic, 40 pseudophakic, and 39 pseudophakic after Nd:YAG capsulotomy. The rate of sustained IOP elevation was significantly higher in the postcapsulotomy group(23.1%) than in the phakic/pseudophakic groups(8.1%;P=0.032), with no statistically significant differences among the 3 groups in mean number of injections, either total(P=0.82) or by type of anti-VEGF mediation(bevacizumab: P=0.19;ranibizumab: P=0.13), or mean follow-up time(P=0.70). CONCLUSION: Nd:YAG capsulotomy appears to be a risk factor for sustained IOP elevation in patients receiving intravitreal anti-VEGF injections. This finding has important implications given the growing use of anti-VEGF treatment and the irreversible effects of elevated IOP.

Nonintubated video-assisted thoracic surgery under epidural anesthesia—Encouraging early results encourage randomized trials

Nonintubated video-assisted thoracic surgery （VATS） that is also defined awake VATS entails thoracoscopic procedures performed by regional anesthesia in spontaneously ventilating,mildly sedated or fully awake patients.

Long-term treatment with intracavernosal injections in diabetic men with erectile dysfunction

Aim： To assess the behavior of patients with diabetes mellitus （DM） and erectile dysfunction （ED） during 10 consecutive years of treatment with self-injection of vasoactive drugs. Methods： Thirty-eight diabetic men, including 12 with type Ⅰ and 26 with type Ⅱ diabetes, were followed up regularly for 10 years after they began self-injecting for severe ED. Real time rigidity assessment was used for the objective determination of the initial dosage and then doses were regulated in order to introduce an erection suitable for penetration and maintenance of erection for approximately 30 min. Patients were followed up every two months, and doses were increased only when the treatment response was not satisfactory. Results： The number of injections used per year by the patients was reduced each year （mean numbers： 50 in the first year and 22.5 in the 10th） and treatment shifted towards stronger therapeutic modalities （mixtures of vasoactive drugs instead of prostaglandin E1 alone）. Type Ⅰ diabetic men were standardized to a level of treatment as early as 5 years after the initiation of treatment. That level was finally reached by type Ⅱ patients after another 4-5 years. Conclusion： Treatment with self-injections of vasoactive drugs in diabetic men with severe El） is a safe and effective alternative in the long term. Diabetic men of both types show the same preferences in quality and quantity of treatment after 10 years. The key point for maintenance in treatment is the adjustment of the therapeutic method and dosage to optimal levels for satisfactory erections. （Asian J Androl 2006 Mar; 8： 219-224）

Awake thoracoscopic surgery under epidural anesthesia: is it really safe?

Thoracoscopic surgeries usually require single-lung ventilation under general anesthesia because of the need to obtain a sufficient working space.In patients with impaired pulmonary function,if the patient can undergo general anesthesia,a more selected collapse of the lung is considered to be beneficial for intraoperative oxygenation.The selective bronchial blockade of the lobe to be resected has been reported by several investigators （1-3）.Mukaida and coworkers first reported thoracoscopic surgery for pnenmothorax under local and epidural anesthesia in 1998 in high-risk patients contraindicated for general anesthesia （4）.