Related Experiment Videos
Sensory and sympathetic block during interpleural analgesia
N Pettersson1, L Perbeck, B Brismar
1Department of Surgery, Huddinge University Hospital, Sweden.
Regional Anesthesia
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Interpleural analgesia effectively reduces pain after abdominal surgery. However, incomplete sensory block suggests pain relief isn't solely due to intercostal nerve blockade.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pain Management
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Interpleural analgesia is recognized for post-operative pain management.
- Its mechanism, particularly concerning intercostal nerve blockade, requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if interpleural analgesia's effectiveness stems from blocking intercostal nerves.
- To assess analgesic efficacy, skin sensitivity, and sympathetic outflow post-abdominal surgery.
Main Methods:
- 20 patients undergoing open cholecystectomy received interpleural analgesia.
- Pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale post-bupivacaine injection.
- Skin sensitivity, cutaneous blood flow, and phrenic nerve conduction were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Interpleural analgesia significantly decreased pain scores (median VAS 5.7 to 1.1).
- Half of the patients retained skin sensitivity to pain and temperature.
- Cutaneous blood flow remained unchanged, indicating incomplete intercostal nerve block.
Conclusions:
- The analgesic effect is not solely attributable to intercostal nerve blockade.
- Incomplete sensory and sympathetic block suggests alternative mechanisms for pain relief.