Bleeding risk and interventional pain management

Interlaminar versus transforaminal epidural steroid injections: a review of efficacy and safety

Spine intervention is an important treatment option for the management of spinal pain, and the numbers of the most representative epidural steroid injection (ESI) procedures performed are expected to increase significantly in the future along with increased life expectancy and the increasing prevalence of spinal disorders. Therefore, it is important to understand the efficacy of ESIs according to each spinal disorder they are administered to treat, and one must be familiar with the possible complications. In fact, although numerous ESI-related articles have been published, there is still considerable controversy regarding the efficacy of ESI procedures. Furthermore, due to the rarity of serious complications, most instances have been recorded in the form of case reports. In this article, we aimed to review the indications of cervical and lumbar ESIs and to compare interlaminar ESI (ILESI) and transforaminal ESI (TFESI) techniques in terms of analgesic efficacy, possible complications, and safety profiles. This article includes opinions based on the authors' experience with ESI indications and efficacy, and presents practical tips for coping with specific situations related to each complication. By combining the dedicated anatomical understanding of radiologists with image-guided interventions, ESI is expected to stand out in the rapidly expanding field of spine intervention.

Anticoagulants: newer ones, mechanisms, and perioperative updates

With a growing number of new anticoagulant/antiplatelet agents being developed, it is likely that an increasing number of patients taking these drugs will present for surgery and other procedures. A familiarity with mechanisms of action and drug interactions helps to maintain optimal patient safety in the perioperative period. Furthermore, it is crucial for anesthesiologists to remain current on recommendations regarding discontinuation or need to continue the newer anticoagulants/antiplatelet drugs in patients presenting for surgery and/or regional anesthesia. Further studies are needed for monitoring of many of these newer agents and to identify antidotes.