Outcomes of Epidural Neuroplasty Utilizing Adhesiolysis by Means of Hydraulic and Mechanical force

Abstract

Background: Sciatica due to contained herniated discs can be managed with epidural neuroplasty which has emerged as a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of low back pain. Epiduroscopy also provides an alternative minimally invasive technique that offers diagnostic and therapeutic advantages. However, both procedures are not free of complications. The most commonly seen complications are related to the drugs and hypertonic fluid administered. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the efficacy of epidural neuroplasty in the treatment of degenerative chronic low back pain and radiculopathy, and the prevention of complications by means of hydraulic and mechanical adhesiolysis with Cordis ® catheter. Methods: 112 patients treated by epidural neuroplasty were included in our retrospective, non-randomized case series. The outcomes and complications of epidural neuroplasty by hydraulic and mechanical adhesiolysis in patients with chronic low back pain or nerve irritation due to nerve root compression by a single-level, contained herniated disc were assessed. A blinded investigator assessed the patients before and at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Patients were asked to quantify their pain using the visual analog scale (VAS) and were also surveyed in regards to their pain medication usage. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was quantified by third-party observers. Observed data at 3, 6, and 12 months after management were matched to baseline. Results: The level of pain intensity and medication usage lessened considerably in the first three months after the management. An improvement in functional status was also observed in the first 3 months. Pain scores and medication use continued to increase and functional status continued to decline in our patients over the 12-month follow-up period. There were no procedure-related complications observed. Conclusion: This retrospective study of mechanical adhesiolysis with Cordis ® catheter demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in VAS pain scores, functional status and a reduction in medication intake. These findings suggest that epidural neuroplasty can be a safe and effective procedure for selected patients. To evaluate the long-term efficacy of this minimally invasive technique, further randomized, controlled studies are required.

Analysis of the efficacy of retrodiscal approach percutaneous epidural adhesiolysis with WHIP catheter® in patients with lumbar radiculopathy: A retrospective study

“…This interventional technique was developed in the late 1980s by Racz et al [6,7] Since it was introduced, percutaneous adhesiolysis has been successfully used to treat low back and lower extremity pain that does not resolve with conventional mordalities such as epidural steroid injections. [8][9][10] Various approaches exist for performing epidural adhesiolysis using a catheter. When this technique was first introduced in the literature, an approach using the caudal canal was described.…”

“…This interventional technique was developed in the late 1980s by Racz et al [ 6 , 7 ] Since it was introduced, percutaneous adhesiolysis has been successfully used to treat low back and lower extremity pain that does not resolve with conventional mordalities such as epidural steroid injections. [ 8 – 10 ]…”