Effect of intercostal nerve block combined with oxycodone on the postoperative cognitive ability in elderly patients...

To explore the effect of intercostal nerve block (INB) combined with oxycodone on the postoperative cognitive ability in elderly patients undergoing radical resection of lung cancer (LC).

A total of 135 elderly patients who underwent radical LC operations in our hospital from April 2019 to July 2021 were enrolled for retrospective analysis. There are 71 patients, who received INB with 0.5% ropivacaine 20 mL and oxycodone 5 mg (intravenous injection) before chest closure, were assigned to the observation group (OG), while 64 patients, who received a single oxycodone injection (5 mg) into the anterior thoracic vein, were assigned as the control group (CG). The cognitive function of patients was assessed by a mini mental state examination (MMSE) before and 24 h after operation. Also, the visual analogue scale (VAS), sedation score (Ramsay) and the occurrence of adverse reactions within 48 h after surgery were compared. Additionally, the changes of heart rate (HR), blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and central venous pressure (CAP) at 4 h, 8 h, 12 h and 24 h after operation were observed, and the pressure times of analgesia pump within 24 h and the satisfaction rates of postoperative analgesia were compared between the two groups.

After operation, compared with the CG, the MMSE in the OG was dramatically higher (P<0.05), while the incidence of adverse reactions (P<0.05) and the VAS score (P<0.05) in the OG were significantly lower. There was no remarkable difference in postoperative HR, SpO₂ and MAP between the two groups (P>0.05). The number of postoperative analgesia pump pressing in the OG was lower than that in the CG (P<0.05), and the satisfaction rate of postoperative analgesia in the OG was higher (P<0.05).

INB combined with oxycodone has a better application effect in senile LC radical operation. It can improve the postoperative cognitive function and reduce postoperative adverse reactions and pain with high safety.