Interventional Pain Procedures: A Narrative Review Focusing On Safety and Complications. PART 2 Interventional Procedures For Back Pain

Abstract

In patients where conservative approaches have failed to relieve from chronic pain, interventional procedures may be an option in well selected patients. In recent years there has been an increase in the use and development of invasive procedures. Concomitantly, there has also been an increase in the complications associated with these procedures. Taken this into consideration, it is important for healthcare providers to take a cautious and vigilant approach, with a focus on patient safety, in order to minimize the risk of adverse events and ensure the best possible outcome for the patient. This may include careful selection of patients for procedures, use of proper techniques and equipment, and close monitoring and follow-up after the procedure. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the primary complications associated with commonly performed image-guided (fluoroscopy or ultrasound-guided) interventional procedures and provide strategies to reduce the risk of these complications. We conclude that although complications from interventional pain procedures can be mitigated to a certain degree, they cannot be eliminated altogether. In order to avoid adverse events, patient safety should be given considerable attention and physicians should be constantly aware of the possibility of developing complications.

Keywords:

• chronic pain
• pain management procedures
• complications
• spinal cord stimulation
• intrathecal drug delivery
• low back pain

Disclosure

Dr Giuliano Lo Bianco reports personal fees from Stryker Italia, outside the submitted work. Dr Andrea Tinnirello reports personal fees from Avanos Medical, outside the submitted work. Dr Simon J Thomson reports personal fees from Boston Scientific Neuromodulation, Saluda Medical, Mainstay Medical, Galvani Bioelectronics, outside the submitted work. Dr Michael E Schatman is a research consultant for Modoscript, outside the submitted work. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.