A Comparison of the Postoperative Analgesic Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Dorsal Penile Nerve Block and Ultrasound-Guided Pudendal Nerve Block in Circumcision

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative analgesic effectiveness of the 2 block types. We also aimed to evaluate the effect of these block types on the postoperative complications and parental satisfaction. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted between April and July 2019 at a training and research hospital. Patients aged between 5 and 12 years in the ASA I-II group, who were scheduled for circumcision, were included in the study. The primary outcome was the pain measured using the Children’s Hospital Eastern Ontario Pain Scale and the Faces Pain Scale-Revised. The secondary outcomes were the postoperative complications and parenteral satisfactions. Results: The number of patients receiving a pudendal block (n = 40) and dorsal penile nerve block (DPNB) block (n = 40) was equal. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups that were administered a DPNB and pudendal block in terms of pain scores (p > 0.05). We did not observe any postoperative block-related complications or side effects. Parents reported excellent satisfaction in both groups. Discussion: Ultrasound (US)-guided pudendal nerve block and US-guided DPNB provided effective and long-lasting postoperative analgesia for circumcision surgery. Conclusions: This study has shown that both blocks provide postoperative analgesia with similar effectiveness and ensured a very comfortable period at the circumcision surgery. Clinicians can use either of these techniques depending on their clinical circumstances and experience.