The Safety and Effectiveness of Superficial Cervical Plexus Block in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery as an Alternative to General Anesthesia in Selective Cases: A Clinical Study.

Abstract

To assess the safety and effectiveness of superficial cervical plexus (SCP) block in oral and maxillofacial surgical (OMFS) practice as an alternative to general anesthesia in selective cases. The total number of patients was 10, out of which 6 were male and 4 were female patients. Five patients had incision and drainage of perimandibular space infections, two patients had enucleation of cyst in the body of mandible, one patient had open reduction and internal fixation isolated angle fracture, and two patients had submandibular lymph node biopsies. Informed& written consent were obtained from the patients after they had the procedure explained to them. Medically compromised patients and those who were excessively anxious and apprehensive, patient who did not want the procedure to be done under regional anesthesia, and patients with a history of allergy to local anesthetic were excluded. All patients had their surgical procedures under regional anesthesia (SCP block with supplemental nerve blocks) performed by the same surgeon under the supervision of anesthesiologist with continuous monitoring. SCP block with concomitant mandibular nerve and long buccal nerve block has a high success rate, low complication rate, and high patient acceptability as shown in the study. Superficial cervical plexus block anesthesia is a safe and useful anesthetic technique with the low risk of accidents and complications, thus a good alternative for regional anesthesia in selected cases in oral and maxillofacial surgery.