Complex regional pain syndrome after dermatological surgery

Area of Science:

• Pain Medicine
• Neurology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a challenging condition often characterized by severe pain, swelling, and changes in skin temperature and color.
• Post-surgical CRPS, particularly after minor procedures, highlights the need for heightened clinical awareness and prompt management strategies.

Observation:

• A 57-year-old female patient developed symptoms suggestive of CRPS in her right foot following a minor skin surgery.
• The patient presented with characteristic signs and symptoms of CRPS localized to the surgical site.

Findings:

• Early diagnosis of CRPS was established in the patient.
• Treatment involved sympathetic blockade utilizing guanethidine, administered during the early phase of the condition.

Implications:

• This case underscores the potential for CRPS development even after seemingly minor surgical interventions.
• Successful early intervention with sympathetic blockade suggests a favorable prognosis for patients presenting with post-surgical CRPS.
• The findings support the efficacy of guanethidine blockade as a therapeutic option for early-stage CRPS, warranting further investigation.