Long-term Efficacy of Abdominal Wall Trigger Point Injections.

INTRODUCTION

We evaluated the efficacy of abdominal wall injections in 35 retrospective patients by a single physician.

METHODS

Using uniform techniques to inject both Lidocaine and Depo-Medrol in patients with moderate to severe localized abdominal wall pain mostly related to laparoscopic scars.

RESULTS

On initial follow-up at 15.2 ± 8.5 (mean ± standard deviation) days, the pain was reduced from 7.4 ± 1.5 (mean ± standard deviation) to 2.3 ± 2.3 (mean ± standard deviation) in 34 out of the 35 retrospective patients. One patient showed no response. On long-term follow up at 26.0 ± 28.5 (mean ± standard deviation) months, the pain was reduced to 1.2 ± 2.0 (mean ± standard deviation). Five of the 35 retrospective patients required more than one injection to the same site to achieve the pain control. No major complications were noted. Average cost of the abdominal wall injection was $134.72.

CONCLUSION

We propose that localized abdominal wall pain should be considered for trigger point injection early on in the management.