Effects of stellate ganglion block on the perioperative hemodynamics for coronary artery bypass grafting surgery

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Stellate ganglion block (SGB) is a successful technique that can potentially maintain hemodynamics and terminate fatal arrhythmia. We aimed to study the efficacy of SGB on hemodynamic changes after on pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Methods Forty patients who underwent CABG surgery at the Cardiac Surgical Academy Ain Shams University Hospital were randomly allocated to receive SGB or placebo between June 2020 and February 2021. After fulfilling the inclusion criteria, patients were classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists III and IV. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups utilizing a computer-generated block number in a sealed envelope. Group S (20 patients) received SGB, and Group C (20 patients) included matched controls who received a placebo solution in the SGB. Primary outcome was perioperative changes in heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of atrial and ventricular fibrillation, and myocardial ischemia in addition to the times from ICU admission to extubation, ICU stay, and hospital stay. Results A statistically substantial increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as increased incidence of AF and VF was found in the control group compared to the SGB group with p values <0.001, <0.001, 0.037, and 0.028, respectively. Conclusion SGB can reduce the hemodynamic responses to surgery and anesthesia, intraoperative tachyarrhythmias, and ICU and hospital stays.