Cervical plexus block as an alternative anesthetic approach for type I thyroplasty: a case report / Bloqueio do plexo cervical como técnica anestésica alternativa para tireoplastia tipo I: relato de caso

Abstract Background: The role of type I thyroplasty (TIP) is well established as the treatment for glottal insufficiency due to vocal fold paralysis, but the ideal anesthetic management for this procedure is still largely debated. We present the case of a novel anesthetic approach for TIP using combined intermediate and superficial Cervical Plexus Block (CPB) and intermittent mild sedation analgesia. Case report: A 51-year-old presenting with left vocal fold paralysis and obstructive sleep apnea was scheduled for TIP. An ultrasound-guided intermediate CPB was performed using the posterior approach, and 15 mL of ropivacaine 0.5% were injected in the posterior cervical space between the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the prevertebral fascia. Then, for the superficial CPB, a total of 10 mL 0.5% ropivacaine was injected subcutaneously, adjacently to the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, without penetrating the investing fascia An intermittent sedation analgesia with a target-controlled infusion of remifentanyl (target 0.5 ng.mL-1) was used to facilitate prosthesis insertion and the fiberoptic laryngoscopy. This technique offered a safe anesthetic airway and good operating conditions for the surgeon, as well as feasible voice monitoring and optimal patient comfort. Conclusion: The use of a regional technique is a promising method for the anesthetic management in TIP, especially in patients with compromised airway.

Resumo Introdução: O papel da tireoplastia tipo I (TPI) está bem estabelecido no tratamento de insuficiência glótica após a paralisia das pregas vocais, mas o manejo anestésico ideal para a TPI ainda é controverso. Descrevemos uma nova técnica anestésica para a TPI usando o Bloqueio do Plexo Cervical (BPC) superficial e o BPC intermediário associados, em presença de analgo-sedação leve e intermitente. Relato de caso: Paciente de 51 anos de idade com paralisia da prega vocal esquerda e apneia obstrutiva do sono foi agendada para TPI. BPC intermediário guiado por ultrassom foi realizado usando acesso posterior, e 15 mL de ropivacaína a 0,5% foram injetados no espaço cervical posterior entre o músculo esternocleidomastoideo e a fáscia prevertebral. A seguir, para o BPC superficial, 10 mL de ropivacaína a 0,5% foram injetados na região subcutânea adjacente à borda posterior do músculo esternocleidomastoideo, sem transfixar a fáscia de revestimento. Analgo-sedação intermitente com infusão alvo-controlada de remifentanil (alvo de 0,5 ng.mL-1) foi usada para facilitar a inserção da prótese e a laringoscopia com fibra ótica. A técnica ofereceu via aérea segura durante a anestesia, boa condição para o cirurgião, possibilidade de monitorar a voz, além de ótimo conforto à paciente. Conclusões: O uso de anestesia regional é uma técnica promissora para o cuidado anestésico durante a TPI, especialmente em pacientes com via aérea comprometida.

Perioperative analgesic efficacy of bilateral superficial cervical plexus block in patients undergoing thyroidectomy: a randomized controlled trial / Eficácia analgésica perioperatória do bloqueio bilateral do plexo cervical superficial em pacientes submetidos à tireoidectomia: estudo clínico randomizado

Abstract Introduction: Bilateral superficial cervical plexus block (BSCPB) is a common method used for analgesia in thyroid surgery. We investigated the analgesic efficacy of bilateral superficial cervical plexus block in the intraoperative and postoperative periods. Materials and methods: Patients (n = 46) undergoing thyroidectomy were randomly separated into the following 2 groups: the general anesthesia group (GA; n = 23) and the general anesthesia plus BSCPB group (GS; n = 23). The intraoperative analgesic requirement (remifentanil) and visual analog scale (VAS) score at multiple time points during the postoperative period (after extubation, at 15 , 30 minutes and 1, 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours post operation) were evaluated. Total tramadol and paracetamol consumption as well as the amount of ondansetron used was recorded. Results: The intraoperative remifentanil requirement was significantly lower in the GS Group than in the GA Group (p= 0.009). The postoperative pain scores were significantly lower in the GS Group than in the GA Group at 15 (p< 0.01), 30 (p< 0.01) minutes, and 1 (p< 0.01), 2 (p< 0.01), 6 (p< 0.01), 12 (p< 0.01) and 24 (p= 0.03) hours. The postoperative tramadol requirement was significantly lower in the GS Group than in the GA Group (p= 0.01). The number of patients that used ondansetron was significantly lower in the GS Group than in the GA Group (p= 0.004). Conclusion: We concluded that BSCPB with 0.25% bupivacaine reduces the postoperative pain intensity and opioid dependency in thyroid surgery patients.

Resumo Introdução: O bloqueio bilateral do plexo cervical superficial (BPCS) é um método comumente usado para analgesia em tireoidectomia. Avaliamos a eficácia analgésica do bloqueio bilateral do BPCS nos períodos intraoperatório e pós-operatório. Materiais e métodos: Os pacientes (n = 46) submetidos à tireoidectomia foram randomicamente separados em dois grupos para receber anestesia geral (Grupo GA; n = 23) e anestesia geral mais bloqueio bilateral do BPCS (Grupo GS; n = 23). Avaliamos a necessidade de analgésico no intraoperatório (remifentanil) e os escores VAS (Visual Analog Scale) em vários momentos no pós-operatório (após a extubação, aos 15 e 30 minutos e em 1, 2, 6, 12, 24 e 48 horas de pós-operatório). O consumo total de tramadol e paracetamol e a quantidade usada de ondansetrona foram registrados. Resultados: A necessidade de remifentanil no intraoperatório foi significativamente menor no Grupo GS do que no Grupo GA (p = 0,009). Os escores de dor pós-operatória foram significativamente menores no Grupo GS do que no grupo GA aos 15 (p < 0,01) e 30 (p < 0,01) minutos e em 1 (p < 0,01), 2 (p < 0,01), 6 (p < 0,01), 12 (p < 0,01) e 24 (p = 0,03) horas de pós-operatório. A necessidade de tramadol no pós-operatório foi significativamente menor no Grupo GS do que no grupo GA (p = 0,01). O número de pacientes que recebeu ondansetrona foi significativamente menor no Grupo GS do que no Grupo GA (p = 0,004). Conclusão: O bloqueio bilateral do BPCS com bupivacaína a 0,25% reduz a intensidade da dor pós-operatória e a dependência de opioides em pacientes submetidos à tireoidectomia.

Supraclavicular nerve and superior trunk block for surgical treatment of clavicle fracture in a patient with Steinert's disease - Case report / Bloqueio do nervo supraclavicular e do tronco superior para tratamento cirúrgico de fratura de clavícula em paciente portador de doença de Steinert - Relato de caso

Abstract Background and objectives: Ultrasound-guided upper limb blocks may provide great benefits to patients with serious diseases. Patients with Steinert's disease have muscle weakness and risk of triggering myotony or malignant hyperthermia due to the use of anesthetic agents and surgical stress. The objective of this report was to demonstrate a viable alternative for clavicle fracture surgery with upper trunk and supraclavicular nerve block, thus reducing the spread of local anesthetic to the phrenic nerve in a patient with muscular dystrophy. Case report: A 53-year-old male patient with Steinert's disease, associated with dyspnea, hoarseness and dysphagia, referred to the surgical theater for osteosynthesis of clavicle fracture. Upper limb (1 mL 0.75% ropivacaine) and supraclavicular nerve block (1 mL 0.75% ropivacaine in each branch) were combined with venous anesthesia with propofol under laryngeal mask (infusion pump target of 4 mcg.mL-1). Upon awakening, the patient had no pain or respiratory complaints. He was transferred to the ICU for immediate postoperative follow-up with discharge from this unit after 24 h without complications. Conclusions: The superior trunk and cervical plexus block associated with venous anesthesia under laryngeal mask, without the use of opioids, proved to be adequate in the case of a patient with clavicle fracture and Steinert's disease. With the use of ultrasonography in regional anesthesia it is possible to perform increasingly selective blocks, thus allowing greater security for the anesthetic-surgical procedure and lower morbidity for the patient.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: Bloqueios seletivos dos membros superiores guiados por ultrassom podem trazer grandes benefícios em pacientes portadores de doenças graves. Pacientes portadores da doença de Steinert apresentam fraqueza muscular e riscos de desencadear miotonia ou hipertermia maligna devido ao uso de agentes anestésicos e ao estresse cirúrgico. O objetivo deste relato foi mostrar uma opção viável para a cirurgia de fratura de clavícula com bloqueio do tronco superior e nervo supraclavicular, diminui-se assim a dispersão do anestésico local para o nervo frênico em paciente com distrofia muscular. Relato de caso: Paciente do sexo masculino, 53 anos, portador de doença de Steinert, associada a dispneia, rouquidão e disfagia. Encaminhado ao bloco cirúrgico para osteossíntese de fratura de clavícula. Feito bloqueio de tronco superior (1 mL ropivacaína a 0,75%) e de nervo supraclavicular (1 mL de ropivacaína 0,75 em cada ramificação) associado à anestesia venosa com propofol sob máscara laríngea (alvo de 4 mcg.mL-1 em bomba de infusão). Ao despertar, o paciente apresentava-se sem dor ou queixas respiratórias. Admitido em CTI para acompanhamento do pós-operatório imediato com alta dessa unidade após 24 horas sem intercorrências. Conclusões: O bloqueio do tronco superior e do plexo cervical associado à anestesia venosa sob máscara laríngea, sem uso de opioides, mostrou-se adequado no caso de fratura da clavícula em paciente com doença de Steinert. Com o uso da ultrassonografia em anestesia regional é possível fazer bloqueios cada vez mais seletivos e possibilitar assim maior segurança para o procedimento anestésico-cirúrgico e menor morbidade para o paciente.

Superficial cervical plexus blockade improves pain control after thyroidectomy: A randomized controlled trial

OJECTIVES: The aim was to evaluate the ability of bilateral superficial cervical plexus blockade to control pain and to reduce the side effects of general anesthesia in patients submitted to thyroidectomy. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, we prospectively studied 100 consecutive patients who underwent total thyroidectomy. The simple random patient sample was divided into two groups: 50 patients received general anesthesia alone (group 1 [G1]), and 50 patients received general anesthesia with bilateral superficial cervical plexus blockade (group 2 [G2]). Statistical analyses were performed, and a 5% significance level was adopted. RESULTS: The mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate were 12% lower in G2 patients than in G1 patients 60 minutes after surgery (101 mmHg for G1 vs. 92.3 mmHg for G2; p<0.001). G2 patients reported less pain than G1 patients, and opioid consumption was lower in G2 patients than in G1 patients, not upon postanesthesia care unit arrival, but at 30 minutes (2% vs. 34%; p<0.001, respectively), 45 minutes (0% vs. 16%; p=0.006, respectively), and 4 hours postoperatively (6% vs. 20%; p=0.037, respectively). The incidence of nausea and vomiting was lower in G2 patients than in G1 patients from 45 minutes (0% vs. 16%; p=0.006, respectively) to 8 hours postoperatively (0% vs. 14%; p=0.012, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that the combination of bilateral superficial cervical plexus blockade with general anesthesia for thyroidectomy is feasible, safe, and effective for achieving pain control and improving patient outcomes.

Outcomes of Carotid Endarterectomy according to the Anesthetic Method: General versus Regional Anesthesia / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: The surgical strategies for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) vary in terms of the anesthesia method, neurological monitoring, shunt usage, and closure technique, and no gold-standard procedure has been established yet. We aimed to analyze the feasibility and benefits of CEA under regional anesthesia (RA) and CEA under general anesthesia (GA).METHODS: Between June 2012 and December 2017, 65 patients who had undergone CEA were enrolled, and their medical records were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed. A total of 35 patients underwent CEA under RA with cervical plexus block, whereas 30 patients underwent CEA under GA. In the RA group, a carotid shunt was selectively used for patients who exhibited negative results on the awake test. In contrast, such a shunt was used for all patients in the GA group.RESULTS: There were no cases of postoperative stroke, cardiovascular events, or mortality. Nerve injuries were noted in 4 patients (3 in the RA group and 1 in the GA group), but they fully recovered prior to discharge. Operative time and clamp time were shorter in the RA group than in the GA group (119.29±27.71 min vs. 161.43±20.79 min, p<0.001; 30.57±6.80 min vs. 51.77±13.38 min, p<0.001, respectively). The hospital stay was shorter in the RA group than in the GA group (14.6±5.05 days vs. 18.97±8.92 days, p=0.022). None of the patients experienced a stroke or restenosis during the 27.23±20.3-month follow-up period.CONCLUSION: RA with a reliable awake test reduces shunt use and decreases the clamp and operative times of CEA, eventually resulting in a reduced length of hospital stay.

A Comparison of Combined Superficial Cervical Plexus Block and Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block with General Anesthesia for Clavicle Surgery: Pilot Trial

OBJECTIVE: Recently, the cases about successful regional anesthesia using combined superficial cervical plexus block and interscalene brachial plexus block for clavicle surgery have been reported. The aim of this study was to compare regional anesthesia using combined superficial cervical plexus block and interscalene brachial plexus block with general anesthesia. METHODS: In this prospective randomized study, 26 patients scheduled for elective clavicle surgery were divided into two groups: the first group was general anesthesia group (GA group, n=13) and the second group for peripheral nerve block group (PNB group, n=13). Standardized general anesthesia was done to the patients assigned to the GA group and ultrasonography-guided combined superficial cervical plexus block and interscalene brachial plexus block was done to the patients assigned to the PNB group. Postoperative sedation scale was assessed at post-anesthesia care unit, and pain scale using 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was assessed at immediate postoperative, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 6 hours, and 24 hours. Patients needed additional analgesics, and time for first analgesic demand and duration from surgery to discharge was recorded. RESULTS: The pain VAS scales were less in PNB group than GA group from immediate postoperative time to 6 hours. The patients' immediate postoperative sedation scale less than 4 were significantly less in PNS group than GA group. The duration from surgery to discharge was shorter in PNS group than GA group. CONCLUSION: Regional anesthesia using combined superficial cervical plexus block and interscalene brachial plexus block is a successful alternative to general anesthesia for clavicle surgery.

Perioperative lumbar plexus block and cardiac ischemia in patients with hip fracture: randomized clinical trial / Bloqueio perioperatório do plexo lombar e isquemia cardíaca em pacientes com fratura de quadril: ensaio clínico randomizado

Abstract Background Perioperative myocardial ischemia is common among patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. Our aim is to evaluate the efficacy of perioperative continuous lumbar plexus block in reducing the risk of cardiac ischemic events of elderly patients undergoing surgery for hip fractures, expressed as a reduction of ischemic events per subject. Methods Patients older than 60 years, ASA II-III, with risk factors for or known coronary artery disease were enrolled in this randomized controlled study. Patients were randomized to conventional analgesia using opioid intravenous patient-controlled analgesia or continuous lumbar plexus block analgesia, both started preoperatively and maintained until postoperative day three. Continuous electrocardiogram monitoring with ST segment analysis was recorded. Serial cardiac enzymes and pain scores were registered during the entire period. We measured the incidence of ischemic events per subject registered by a continuous ST-segment Holter monitoring. Results Thirty-one patients (intravenous patient-controlled analgesia 14, lumbar plexus 17) were enrolled. There were no major cardiac events during the observation period. The number of ischemic events recorded by subject during the observation period was 6 in the lumbar plexus group and 3 in the intravenous patient-controlled analgesia group. This difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.618). There were no statistically significant differences in the number of cases with increased perioperative troponin values (3 cases in the lumbar plexus group and 1 case in the intravenous patient-controlled analgesia group) or in terms of pain scores. Conclusions Using continuous perineural analgesia, compared with conventional systemic analgesia, does not modify the incidence of perioperative cardiac ischemic events of elderly patients with hip fracture.

Resumo Justificativa A isquemia miocárdica perioperatória é comum em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de fratura de quadril. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar a eficácia do bloqueio perioperatório contínuo do plexo lombar na redução do risco de eventos cardíacos isquêmicos em pacientes idosos submetidos à cirurgia para fraturas de quadril, expresso como uma redução de eventos isquêmicos por indivíduo. Métodos Pacientes com mais de 60 anos de idade, ASA II-III com fatores de risco para ou com doença coronariana conhecida foram incluídos neste estudo controlado e randomizado. Os pacientes foram aleatorizados para analgesia convencional usando analgésicos opioides para administração de analgesia intravenosa controlada pelo paciente (Intravenous Patient-Controlled Analgesia - IVPCA) ou analgesia contínua com o bloqueio do Plexo Lombar (PL), ambas iniciadas no pré-operatório e mantidas até o terceiro dia de pós-operatório. Monitoração contínua de ECG com análise do segmento ST foi registrada. Enzimas cardíacas seriadas e escores de dor foram registrados durante todo o período. Medimos a incidência de eventos isquêmicos por indivíduo registrados com monitoração contínua do segmento ST via Holter. Resultados Trinta e um pacientes (IVPCA 14, PL 17) foram incluídos. Não houve eventos cardíacos sérios durante o período de observação. O número de eventos isquêmicos registrados por sujeito durante o período de observação foi de seis no grupo PL e três no grupo IVPCA. Essa diferença não foi estatisticamente significativa (p = 0,618). Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas no número de casos com aumento dos valores de troponina no perioperatório (três casos no grupo LP e um caso no grupo IVPCA) ou em termos de escores de dor. Conclusões O uso da analgesia perineural contínua comparado ao da analgesia sistêmica convencional não modifica a incidência de eventos isquêmicos cardíacos no período perioperatório de pacientes idosos com fratura de quadril.

Cervical plexus block / 대한마취과학회지

Cervical plexus blocks (CPBs) have been used in various head and neck surgeries to provide adequate anesthesia and/or analgesia; however, the block is performed in a narrow space in the region of the neck that contains many sensitive structures, multiple fascial layers, and complicated innervation. Since the intermediate CPB was introduced in addition to superficial and deep CPBs in 2004, there has been some confusion regarding the nomenclature and definition of CPBs, particularly the intermediate CPB. Additionally, as the role of ultrasound in the head and neck region has expanded, CPBs can be performed more safely and accurately under ultrasound guidance. In this review, the authors will describe the methods, including ultrasound-guided techniques, and clinical applications of conventional deep and superficial CPBs; in addition, the authors will discuss the controversial issues regarding intermediate CPBs, including nomenclature and associated potential adverse effects that may often be neglected, focusing on the anatomy of the cervical fascial layers and cervical plexus. Finally, the authors will attempt to refine the classification of CPB methods based on the target compartments, which can be easily identified under ultrasound guidance, with consideration of the effects of each method of CPB.

Sonar guided focused parathyroidectomy under cervical block

Introduction: Presentation of hyperparathyroidism varies and is highly non-specific.The automated calcium analyzer has made the diagnosis easy. Similarly, the advent of Sestamibi scan has paved the way to minimally invasive parathyroidectomy indicated for parathyroid adenoma. There is no uniformity in the extent of minimally invasive parathyroidectomy that is done through limited incision under radio or sonar guidance and endoscopically. In this study, we are presenting the focused parathyroidectomy performed under sonar guidance and superficial cervical block (SCB). The prerequisite is concordant preoperative Sestamibi and ultrasound imaging.Objective: To reflect on the result of sonar-guided focused parathyroidectomy under SCB.Method: A two-year review of parathyroidectomies performed between January 2013 and December 2014.Result: There was good correlation between the pre-operative imaging, the intra-operative findings and the postoperative histology result of the 15 cases analysed. Conclusion: The focused parathyroidectomy under SCB yielded a good result with concordant preoperative Sestamibi and ultrasound findings

Clinical study of electroacupuncture on perioperative analgesia in patients with thyroid surgery under cervical plexus block / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the change trend and correlation between the perioperative pain degree and neuroendocrine hormone levels in the perioperative period on patients with thyroid surgery by electroacupuncture combined with cervical plexus block.@*METHODS@#Forty patients with elective thyroidectomy were enrolled and divided into a control group and an observation group according to the random number table method, 20 cases in each group. In the control group, cervical plexus block was performed. In the observation group, the cervical plexus block combined with electroacupuncture (EA) were given. After the cervical plexus block was completed, the EA was applied at the bilateral Hegu (LI 4) and Neiguan (PC 6) for 30 min. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess the pain level before anesthesia (T), 2 h after operation (T), 12 h after operation (T), 24 h after operation (T) and 48 h after operation (T). Blood samples such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), C-reactive protein (CRP) and β-endorphin (β-EP) were collected to measure the level of neuroendocrine hormones, and to analyze the correlation between ACTH, CRP, β-EP and VAS scores.@*RESULTS@#The VAS scores at T, T, T were higher than those at T in the two groups (all <0.05). The VAS scores T, T and T in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (all <0.05). The ACTH and CRP in the control group at T, T and T were significantly higher than those at T (all <0.05). The β-EP in the observation group at T, T and T was significantly higher than that at T (all <0.05). The ACTH and CRP in the observation group at T, T and T were lower than those in the control group,and the β-EP level was higher than that in the control group (all <0.05).The VAS score was significantly positively correlated with ACTH and CRP levels, and negatively correlated with β-EP.@*CONCLUSION@#EA stimulation can inhibit the secretion of ACTH and CRP, promote the release of β-EP, reduce the perioperative pain score, and inhibit the body's stress response.

Effects of bilateral superficial cervical plexus block on sevoflurane consumption during thyroid surgery under entropy-guided general anesthesia: a prospective randomized study / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Bilateral superficial cervical plexus block (BSCPB) provides good postoperative analgesia, but its effect on anesthetic consumption is unknown. This study evaluated the effects of BSCPB on sevoflurane consumption during thyroid surgery. METHODS: Fifty patients were randomly allocated into groups A and B of 25 each in this prospective double-blind study. Group A received BSCPB with 20 ml 0.25% bupivacaine, whereas group B received 20 ml saline immediately before entropy-guided general anesthesia. Intraoperative hemodynamic parameters, end-tidal sevoflurane concentration, minimum alveolar concentration, and sevoflurane consumption were recorded. Postoperative pain was assessed using a visual analog scale, and the time of the first request for analgesia was noted. All side effects were recorded. RESULTS: Demographics were comparable. Mean sevoflurane consumption [for 30 min: group A = 7.2 (1.1) ml, group B = 8.8 (2.0) ml, P = 0.001; for 60 min: group A = 13.5 (1.7) ml, group B = 16.5 (3.9) ml, P = 0.002] and mean end-tidal sevoflurane concentration [for 30 min: group A = 1.2% (0.2%), group B = 1.4% (0.2%), P = 0.008; for 60 min: group A = 1.2% (0.1%), group B = 1.4% (0.2%), P = 0.010] were significantly lower in group A. Patients in group A had a longer duration of analgesia [361.6 (79.5) min vs. 151.0 (60.2) min, P < 0.001] compared to those in group B. CONCLUSIONS: Preinduction BSCPB during thyroid surgery significantly reduced sevoflurane consumption and increased the duration of postoperative analgesia.

Ultrasound-guided superficial cervical plexus block under dexmedetomidine sedation versus general anesthesia for carotid endarterectomy: a retrospective pilot study / 영남의대학술지

BACKGROUND: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has been performed under regional and general anesthesia (GA). The general anesthesia versus local anesthesia for carotid surgery study compared the two techniques and concluded that there was no difference in perioperative outcomes. However, since this trial, new sedative agents have been introduced and devices that improve the delivery of regional anesthesia (RA) have been developed. The primary purpose of this pilot study was to compare intraoperative hemodynamic stability and postoperative outcomes between GA and ultrasound-guided superficial cervical plexus block (UGSCPB) under dexmedetomidine sedation for CEA.METHODS: Medical records from 43 adult patients who underwent CEA were retrospectively reviewed, including 16 in the GA group and 27 in the RA group. GA was induced with propofol and maintained with sevoflurane. The UGSCPB was performed with ropivacaine under dexmedetomidine sedation. We compared the intraoperative requirement for vasoactive drugs, postoperative complications, pain scores using the numerical rating scale, and the duration of hospital stay.RESULTS: There was no difference between groups in the use of intraoperative antihypertensive drugs. However, intraoperative inotropic and vasopressor agents were more frequently required in the GA group (p < 0.0001). In the GA group, pain scores were significantly higher during the first 24 h after surgery (p < 0.0001 between 0–6 h, p < 0.004 between 6–12 h, and p < 0.001 between 12–24 h). The duration of hospital stay was significantly more in the GA group (13.3±4.6 days in the GA group vs. 8.5±2.4 days in the RA group, p < 0.001).CONCLUSION: In this pilot study, intraoperative hemodynamic stability and postoperative outcomes were better in the RA compared to the GA group.

Ultrasound-guided superficial cervical plexus block for carotid endarterectomy in a patient with Lemierre syndrome: A case report

A 70-year-old woman with an infectious thrombus in her left internal jugular vein (IJV) underwent carotid endarterectomy for stenosis and a highly movable plaque in her right carotid artery. She had been treated with antibiotics for four weeks before surgery due to Lemierre syndrome, a rare septic thrombophlebitis in the IJV secondary to an oropharyngeal infection. The right IJV was in a two-fold dilated state due to compensation for a thrombotic left IJV. Accordingly, superficial cervical plexus block was performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure safety and accuracy. During surgery, the alertness was maintained and the patient did not complain of pain in the absence of additional analgesics. No block-related complications were encountered. The authors report for the first time their regional anesthetic experiences in a patient with Lemierre syndrome.

Treatment of herpes zoster with ultrasound-guided superficial cervical plexus block

Herpes zoster most commonly occurs in elderly patients, and usually affects sensory neurons. Therefore, its characteristic symptoms are segmental pain, itching, and sensory changes in the affected areas. A 71-yr-old woman experienced painful herpetic rash on the right cervical 2-4 dermatomes for 16 days. Two days after the onset of the rash, she was diagnosed with herpes zoster, and prescribed 250 mg famciclovir three times a day for 7 days, pregabalin 150 mg twice a day, and tramadol 150 mg once a day for 14 days, by a dermatologist. Despite medication, her pain was rated at an intensity of 6/10 on the numeric rating scale. In addition, she complained of severe itching sensation on the affected dermatomes. Superficial cervical plexus block (SCPB) was performed at the right C4 level with 15 ml 0.5% lidocaine plus triamcinolone 30 mg. Five days after the procedure, pain and itching completely disappeared. SCPB may be an effective option for the treatment of acute pain and itching arising from herpes zoster, and for the prevention of postherpetic neuralgia.

unique anesthesia approach for carotid endarterectomy: combination of general and regional anesthesia

Carotid endarterectomy [CEA], a preventable surgery, reduces the future risks of cerebrovascular stroWke in patients with marked carotid stenosis. Peri-operative management of such patients is challenging due to associated major co-morbidities and high incidence of peri-operative stroke and myocardial infarction. Both general anesthesia [GA] and local regional anesthesia [LRA] can be used with their pros and cons. Most developing countries as well as some developed countries usually perform CEA under GA because of technical easiness. LRA usually comprises superficial, intermediate, deep cervical plexus block or a combination of these techniques. Deep block, particularly, is technically difficult and more complicated, whereas intermediate plexus block is technically easy and equally effective. We did CEA under a combination of GA and LRA using ropivacaine 0.375% with 1 mcg/kg dexmedetomidine [DEX] infiltration. In LRA, we gave combined superficial and intermediate cervical plexus block with infiltration at the incision site and along the lower border of mandible. We observed better hemodynamics in intraoperative as well as postoperative periods and an improved postoperative outcome of the patient. So, we concluded that combination of GA and LRA is a good anesthetic technique for CEA. Larger randomized prospective trials are needed to support our conclusion.

Regional anaesthesia in thyroid surgery

Thyroidectomy is usually performed under general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation. Bilateral cervical plexus block has been occasionally used as sole anaesthesia technique for this operation in certain parts of world. Indications for regional anaesthesia elsewhere in the world are patient's preference and associated marked cardio-respiratory disease. This is the first report of thyroidectomy done solely under bilateral cervical plexus block in Pakistan. The patient had thyroid cancer and was medically compromised due to cardiac failure with ejection fraction of 25%. Bilateral cervical plexus block was performed to avoid the high risk with general anaesthesia. Total thyroidectomy was done while patient remained painfree during the procedure and top-up local anaesthetic infiltration was not required. Patient remained stable without any morbidity. Positive experience from this case indicates that regional anaesthesia with monitored anaesthesia care is safer than general anaesthesia in high risk patients and could be offered to selective thyroidectomy candidates.