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Notes RHIZOLYSIS RHIZOTOMY PULSED RADIO FREQUENCY PRF PATIENT INFORMATION Beacon Hospital Sandyford Dublin 18 D18 AK68 Tel 01 293 6600 www beaconhospital ie THIS IS MODERN MEDICINE

RHIZOLYSIS RHIZOTOMY PULSED RADIO FREQUENCY PRF PATIENT INFORMATION What Is a Rhizolysis Rhizotomy PRF If you do not understand anything explained to you please feel free to ask for further information Overactivity in nerve fibres can result in pain The injection may cause a small amount of bruising or bleeding in the area which settles in a few days Rhizolysis Rhizotomy and PRF are methods of reducing this overactivity These procedures may What Will Happen After the Procedure be carried out at various areas of the body Some patients notice relief of pain within an hour of the procedure For other patients it may take up to 48 hours before you notice any effect In the meantime you should stay on your usual painkillers depending on where you feel pain Medications such as local anaesthetics steroids or alcohol and or heat may be a part of your procedure What Should I Do Before the Procedure You need to fast no food or drink for 6 hours before the procedure Essential medications may be taken with a sip of water If you are diabetic please ask your doctor about fasting for a procedure You may need specific advice regarding your medications If you are on any anticoagulants blood thinners such as aspirin warfarin or Xarelto tell your doctor as these may need to be stopped for a few days What Will Happen When I Come to Hospital Rhizolysis rhizotomy and PRF are usually carried out as day case procedures You will be admitted to the Day Unit and discharged on the same day The nurse doctor will ask you for details of your medical history You should also bring a list of your medications The procedure is carried out in the Theatre department You will be given a hospital gown to wear and an IV cannula will be placed in your hand or arm prior to the procedure You may receive some sedation in Theatre through your IV before the procedure starts An Anaesthetist will monitor you at all times during the procedure if you receive sedation The doctor will inject some local anaesthetic at your back which makes your skin numb The doctor will then perform the Rhizolysis Rhizotomy or PRF If heat is used a thin wire is placed at the nerve which is causing you pain The tip of the wire is then heated which reduces activity in the nerve If medications are used these will be injected around the nerve which is causing you pain You may feel some pressure or pushing at the injection site Are There Any Side Effects As with any procedure there is a small risk of side effects Your doctor will explain any specific risks associated with your procedure and ask you to sign a consent form The area of injection may be sore for a few days Taking your usual painkillers and applying ice to the area is helpful It is important to rest following the procedure You can return to your normal routine after 48 hours You must be collected by a responsible adult following the procedure You should not drive for at least 24 hours following the procedure If required you will be reviewed in your Consultant s clinic 2 4 weeks following the procedure