Complication Rates for Fluoroscopic Guided Interlaminar Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections Performed by Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists in Diverse Practice Settings
Abstract
Study question
What is the complication rate for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) performing fluoroscopic guided lumbar epidural steroid injections (LESIs)?
Methods
CRNA pain practitioners responded to questionnaires regarding their education level, experience, and practice locations. Participants also collected data on number of fluoroscopic guided LESIs performed and each of 20 complications for a 6-month period, and answered a poll regarding satisfaction with the data collection process.
Results
Participants represented urban (23%) and rural (77%) practices; as well as office/clinic (31%) hospital (62%) and mixed (7%) practice settings. Both Masters (62%) and Doctoral prepared (38%) CRNAs participated. Their experience in performing fluoroscopic guided LESIs ranged from 1 to 17 years and 50 to 12,000 procedures. Rate of occurrence for each complication was below 1%. Participants had higher rates of bruising and vasovagal reactions than other complications. No paralysis or death occurred. Neither practice setting nor experience level was related to complication rates. Participants expressed interest in participating in additional studies of complication rates.
Conclusion
CRNAs were able to safely and effectively perform fluoroscopic guided LESIs with complication rates similar to physician rates cited in the literature. Additional study of definitions of complications and CRNA complication rates for other pain management procedures is recommended.
