Combination of Ultrasound-Guided Serratus Anterior Plane Block and Rectus Sheath Block Provide Analgesia for Open Hepatectomy: A Report on 3 Cases

Abstract

Perioperative analgesia in open hepatectomy is challenging because a large subcostal arc incision is often required. Extensive dissection of muscles and nerves is associated with severe intraoperative hemodynamic fluctuations and postoperative pain. Serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) and rectus sheath block (RSB) are commonly used for anesthesia and postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing chest wall surgery and abdominal surgery, respectively. In this case-series report, we present our experience with three patients in whom open hepatectomy and early extubation were performed successfully under a combination of ultrasound-Guided SAPB and RSB. Three patients were scheduled for open hepatectomy, all of them were diagnosed with severe hepatitis B cirrhosis. After due deliberation and with the consent of patients and their family, ultrasound-guided right SAPB and bilateral RSB were performed with the patient in the supine position. A total of 0.7mL/kg of 0.25% ropivacaine was used for nerve block. Sensory loss to pinprick from T5 to T10 was achieved in all three patients 20 min after administration of blocks. The operation went smoothly for all the patients. All three patients experienced quiet recovery and early extubation, and none of them complained of discomfort in the surgical site in the first 12 h after surgery. Here we present three cases of a combination of ultrasound-guided SAPB and RSB that may be an attractive option for anesthetic management of open hepatectomy in clinical practice.