IntroductionSpinal cord stimulation is emerging as a minimally invasive technique for treatment of persistent spinal pain syndrome (PSPS).MethodsWe describe a case series of 25 individuals with PSPS who underwent implantation of a spinal cord stimulator device between 2017 and 2021.ResultsThere was a significant reduction in mean visual analog scale pain scores in the immediate postoperative phase, (8.61 vs. 2.3, p < 0.001). There were twelve patients who consumed pre-operative opioid, and 75% showed reduction of use with a significantly lower average daily dose (66.8 vs. 26.9 meq/D, p < 0.05). There was a significant reduction in the Oswestry Disability Index during postoperative follow-up visits (p < 0.001). There were no major perioperative or long-term complications from the procedure in follow-up.ConclusionThe analysis of this cohort suggests successful long-term treatment of a diverse set of patients with PSPS who underwent spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and had meaningful improvement in quality of life and reduction in opioid consumption.

No abstract

Background and aim of the study: Long-term laryngotracheal complications have not been described in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of and risk factors for laryngotracheal complications following cardiac surgery.Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients at high risk for laryngotracheal complications following cardiac surgery between 2006 and 2016 was performed.High-risk patients were reviewed to determine the presence of laryngotracheal complications including laryngotracheal stenosis, keyhole deformity, or vocal cord immobility. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of long-term laryngotracheal complications.Results: Of 11,417 patients who underwent cardiac surgery, 1099 were identified as at high risk. Of these, 24 (2.2%) developed laryngotracheal complications following their surgery and intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Laryngotracheal stenosis and keyhole deformity were present in 13 (1.2%) and 6 (0.5%) patients, respectively. Logistic regression demonstrated older age (age ≥ 70 odds ratio [OR] 0.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.12-0.83) was protective, while readmission to ICU for ventilation (OR 3.11,) and receiving a tracheostomy (OR 7.83, were associated with laryngotracheal complications. Conclusions:The incidence of long-term laryngotracheal complications following cardiac surgery was 2.2%. Readmission to ICU for ventilation and having a tracheostomy performed were associated with laryngotracheal complications.