Comparison of Analgesic Effects of Pulsed Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation and Cryoablation Methods Applied to Sciatic Neuropathic Pain in Rabbits

Abstract Objective It is aimed to compare the analgesic efficacy of Pulse Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation and cryoablation methods in experimentally induced sciatic neuropathic pain in rabbits. Materials and Methods The sciatic nerves of 21 male New Zealand rabbits were ligated with surgical silk sutures to create neuropathic pain model. The rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups. In Group 1 (Sham Group), Pulse Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation electrode was placed on the sciatic nerve for 6 min but no thermocoagulation was applied. In Group 2 (Pulse Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation group) thermocoagulation was applied for a total of 6 min at 42 °C. Group 3 (Cryoablation Group) rabbits were treated with a cold probe at – 50 degrees for 2 min each for a total of 3 times. Treatment responses were evaluated by thermal and mechanical stimulus on days 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28. Results It was observed that both Pulse Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation and cryoablation had analgesic efficacy, the treatment response to thermal stimulation was achieved from the 1st day of treatment and the therapeutic effect to mechanical stimulation was obtained from the 7th day (p < 0.01). It was observed that Pulse Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation was superior to cryoablation on the 14th day of treatment assessed with thermal stimulation and Pulse Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation was more effective than cryoablation on the 7th, 21st and 28th days of treatment evaluated with mechanical stimulation (p = 0.008, p < 0.01, respectively). Conclusion Both Pulse Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation and cryoablation modalities may be effective in the treatment of neuropathic pain but Pulse Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation may be a better choice for pain relief than cryoablation.