The Effect of Adjuvant Pudendal Nerve Block in Post-Operative Pain Following Perianal Surgery for Non Suppurative Conditions.

ABSTRACT

Background: Surgical management of non-suppurative perianal conditions are associated with intense pain in the postoperative period. Day case surgeries are often not possible for such conditions due to the need for post operative analgesia. The addition of pudendal nerve block lessens the post operative pain and hence avoids the need for opioids and its side effects. Aim: To assess the effectiveness of Pudendal nerve block in post -operative pain following perianal surgery for non suppurative conditions. Methods and material: Prospective cohort study. Patients undergoing surgical modality for anal fissures and hemorrhoids are divided into two groups. Group A receives pudendal nerve block (local infiltration) along with Spinal anaesthesia. Group B receives only Spinal anaesthesia. Post-operative pain (visual analog score) was analyzed and results compared. Results: It was found that there was a statistically significant association between being given pudendal nerve block and the need for analgesics post operatively. Conclusion: Pudendal block with local infiltration, if properly administered has excellent results with regard to patient’s pain tolerance, postoperative outcome and probable cost effectiveness. We conclude that the addition of pudendal nerve block with spinal anesthesia for non-suppurative anal conditions reduces the post operative pain and avoids the need for opioids and its side effects. It is safe and effective and it lessens the duration of hospital stay there by providing the patient with less stress of staying in the hospital for longer periods.