Comparison of Bilateral Ultrasound-Guided Intermediate Cervical Plexus Block vs Local Wound Infiltration for Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Total Thyroidectomy

Abstract

Abstract Background The thyroid gland surgery is a common and painful procedure demanding analgesia. Bilateral intermediate cervical plexus block (BSCPB) could be beneficial for analgesia in thyroid surgery. In this study we will evaluate the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound guided intermediate cervical plexus block vs local wound infiltration in patients undergoing elective thyroidectomy under general anaesthesia. Objective To evaluate the analgesic efficacy and possible side effects of ultrasound guided intermediate cervical plexus block vs local wound infiltration in patients undergoing elective thyroidectomy under general anaesthesia as a primary outcome. The secondary outcome is the assessment of the safety of ICPB and the total dose of meperidine used for 24 hours postoperatively. Patients and Methods 40 patients were divided into two equal groups: Group A: The patients received intermediate cervical plexus block with 10 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine. The same will be repeated on the contralateral side. Group B: Patient will receive local wound infiltration with 20 ml bupivacaine 0.25% under the skin immediately before extubation by the surgeon for pain control. Results ICPB group showed significant lower median score compared with LWI group at time 2 hrs, 4 hrs, 6 hrs, 12 hrs The time for first dose meperidine was significantly longer in ICPB group (17.2 ± 3.02 vs 10.15 ± 1.84) while Total 24 h meperidine consumption was significantly less in ICPB (26.25 ± 17.16 vs 36.25 ± 12.76) Conclusion Intermediate cervical plexus block provides another safe alternative analgesia compared to superficial blocks and local wound infiltration with better analgesic efficacy.