Nerve block techniques utilized in post-bariatric surgery: a narrative review.

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Surgical Pain Management

Background:

• Bariatric surgery (BS) patients often have obstructive sleep apnea, increasing risks with post-operative opioid use.
• Effective pain management is crucial for bariatric surgery recovery and patient comfort.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and compare various nerve blocks for post-bariatric surgery (BS) pain relief.
• To summarize the advantages of different nerve blocks for post-BS analgesia.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive review of current nerve block techniques for post-bariatric surgery pain.
• Analysis of transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB), erector spinae plane block (ESPB), quadratus lumborum block (QLB), external oblique intercostal block (EOIB), and rectus sheath block (RB).

Main Results:

• Transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) is optimized for somatic pain.
• Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) effectively manages both somatic and visceral pain and can be combined with rectus sheath block (RB).
• Anterior quadratus lumborum block (QLB) targets visceral pain; external oblique intercostal block (EOIB) is suitable for obese patients.

Conclusions:

• Nerve blocks provide a safe and effective alternative to opioids for post-bariatric surgery pain.
• Specific nerve blocks offer tailored analgesia for different pain types (somatic, visceral) and patient considerations.
• Further research is needed to optimize nerve block strategies for post-bariatric surgery pain management.