Name of the Procedure:

Injection(s), anesthetic agent(s) and/or steroid; intercostal nerve, each additional level (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

Summary

In this procedure, additional injections of anesthetic agents and/or steroids are administered to the intercostal nerves. These nerves are located between the ribs, and this process is often performed at multiple levels to ensure comprehensive pain relief.

Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to alleviate pain originating from the intercostal nerves, which can be due to conditions like chronic nerve pain, post-herpetic neuralgia from shingles, or pain from rib fractures. The expected outcome is significant reduction or complete relief of pain, allowing for improved function and quality of life.

Indications

• Persistent intercostal nerve pain
• Post-herpetic neuralgia
• Rib fracture pain
• Chronic pain syndromes involving the intercostal nerves

Patients who continue to experience pain despite conservative treatments may be candidates for this procedure.

Preparation

• Fasting: Patients might need to avoid food and drink for several hours before the procedure.
• Medication Adjustments: Certain medications, especially blood thinners, may need to be paused or adjusted.
• Diagnostic Tests: Imaging studies like MRI or CT scans may be performed to precisely locate the affected nerves and plan the injections.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned to allow easy access to the affected intercostal spaces.
2. The area of injection is cleaned and sterilized.
3. Local anesthesia may be applied to numb the skin.
4. Using imaging guidance (like fluoroscopy or ultrasound), a needle is inserted between the ribs to reach the intercostal nerve.
5. Anesthetic and/or steroid medication is then injected.
6. The process is repeated for each additional nerve level, as necessary.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of levels being treated.

Setting

This procedure is generally performed in an outpatient clinic, hospital, or surgical center with appropriate imaging facilities.

Personnel

• Pain management specialist or anesthesiologist
• Radiologist (if imaging guidance is used)
• Nursing staff to assist and provide post-procedure care

Risks and Complications

• Common: Temporary discomfort at injection site, mild bruising
• Rare: Infection, bleeding, nerve damage, allergic reaction to the medication Complications are usually managed by addressing symptoms such as prescribing antibiotics for infection or managing pain appropriately.

Benefits

• Significant pain relief
• Reduced need for oral pain medications
• Improved ability to perform daily activities Pain relief can typically be felt within hours to a few days after the procedure.

Recovery

• Post-procedure, patients may need to rest for a few hours under observation.
• They should avoid strenuous activities for at least 24-48 hours.
• Follow-up appointments might be necessary to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and plan further care if required. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days.

Alternatives

• Oral pain medications
• Physical therapy
• Nerve blocks using other anesthetic techniques
• Surgical intervention in severe cases

Each alternative has its own set of pros and cons, such as varying levels of invasiveness and duration of pain relief.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, patients might feel a prick and some pressure as the needle is inserted. Post-procedure, mild soreness or discomfort at the injection site is common but usually subsides within a few days. Pain management strategies, such as taking over-the-counter pain relievers, can help ensure comfort during recovery.