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JA Clinical Reports

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Open Access 01-12-2022 | Pain Syndromes | Case report

Subacute postoperative myofascial pain diagnosed and treated successfully by ultrasound: a case after laparoscopic hepatectomy

Authors: Rumiko Hachisuka, Shima Taguchi, Katsuyuki Moriwaki, Kyoko Oshita, Ayako Umeda, Yasuo M. Tsutsumi

Published in: JA Clinical Reports | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background

Myofascial pain syndrome is one of the causes of prolonged postoperative pain after abdominal surgery. However, diagnosis and treatment of myofascial pain syndrome, especially its myofascial trigger point (MTrP), have not been well established.

Case presentation

A 55-year-old man experienced severe subacute abdominal pain after laparoscopic hepatectomy despite aggressive postoperative pain management. He had a positive Carnett’s sign, indicating abdominal wall pain, 2 weeks after the surgery. Ultrasonography showed a hyperechoic spot surrounded by a hypoechoic area in the inner abdominal oblique muscle under the palpable spot that fulfills the criteria of MTrP. The echogenic MTrP disappeared after repetitive ultrasound-guided trigger point injections (USG TPIs) with pain relief.

Conclusions

Our present case indicates that diagnosing myofascial pain by visualizing the echogenic MTrPs in the abdominal muscles, and subsequent USG TPIs, might provide an accurate maneuver for diagnosis and treatment of subacute myofascial pain after abdominal surgery.

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Title: Subacute postoperative myofascial pain diagnosed and treated successfully by ultrasound: a case after laparoscopic hepatectomy
Authors: Rumiko Hachisuka
Shima Taguchi
Katsuyuki Moriwaki
Kyoko Oshita
Ayako Umeda
Yasuo M. Tsutsumi
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Pain Syndromes
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal Surgery
Published in: JA Clinical Reports / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 2363-9024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40981-022-00540-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Subacute postoperative myofascial pain diagnosed and treated successfully by ultrasound: a case after laparoscopic hepatectomy

Abstract

Background

Case presentation

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Case presentation

Conclusions

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