Under this study, we would like to collect specimens from CP patients who will undergo pancreatic resection at the VA Hospital for in vitro experiments. In these experiments, we will determine whether immune cells from CP patients are different from cells from healthy donors purchased from ATCC or other commercial sources. We will then assess whether pre-culture of immune cells from CP patients with MSCs can shift them to less pro-inflammatory phenotypes that won't induce inflammation in neuronal cells. All studies will be done in vitro in the cell culture system. Exploring mechanisms that contribute to chronic pain is vital for veterans' health and VA healthcare.
Pain control after tonsillectomy is imperative but often difficult. Current post-operative pain medication regimens include opioid analgesics and are often still inadequate. Though not standard of care, it is our practice to prescribe a single dose of oral steroid medication on the third day after surgery, when pain and swelling are at their peak, in order to assist with pain control and reduce opioid consumption. Though this practice has a rational theoretical basis, there is no prospective data supporting or discounting it. We aim to compare pain control, opioid consumption, and complication rates in children receiving post-operative steroids versus those who do not.
The purpose of this study is to collect and evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes data on patients who have undergone, or will undergo, shoulder replacement surgery. Patients who receive a device from the Equinoxe® Shoulder System, manufactured and distributed by Exactech, Inc as well as patients who receive a device from another shoulder arthroplasty system may be included in this study.