Bilateral superficial cervical plexus block combined with general anesthesia administered in thyroid operations

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Surgical Pain Management

Background:

• Thyroidectomy often involves general anesthesia with associated adverse effects.
• Investigating regional anesthesia techniques can optimize patient recovery and reduce complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the analgesic efficacy of bilateral superficial cervical plexus block in thyroidectomy patients.
• To determine if this block reduces general anesthesia requirements and adverse effects.

Main Methods:

• 162 patients undergoing thyroidectomy were randomized to receive saline, bupivacaine, or levobupivacaine superficial cervical plexus block post-anesthesia induction.
• Analgesic efficacy was assessed by intraoperative anesthetic use, postoperative analgesic needs, time to first analgesic, and pain scores (VAS).
• Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), hospital stay, operative time, and swallowing discomfort were also compared.

Main Results:

• Groups receiving bupivacaine or levobupivacaine blocks required significantly less intraoperative desflurane.
• Fewer patients in the bupivacaine and levobupivacaine groups needed postoperative analgesics, with a longer time to first analgesic request.
• Postoperative pain scores (VAS) were lower in the bupivacaine and levobupivacaine groups for 24 hours, and hospital stay was shorter.

Conclusions:

• Bilateral superficial cervical plexus block is effective in reducing intraoperative anesthetic requirements during thyroidectomy.
• The block significantly alleviates postoperative pain for the initial 24 hours and contributes to a shorter hospital stay.
• This regional anesthesia technique offers benefits for pain control and recovery after thyroid surgery.