Efficacy of unilateral combined (superficial and deep) cervical plexus block as a preemptive analgesia for unilateral neck dissection surgery

Objectives: The objectives of this study were designed to evaluate the intra- and postoperative analgesic efficacy of unilateral superficial and deep cervical plexus block for unilateral neck dissection surgery. Patients and methods: Twenty eight patients were randomly assigned into two groups to receive either saline (control group) or bupivacaine (study group), hemodynamic monitoring. Bispectral index (BIS) monitor and MAC of isoflurane were recorded. Postoperative visual analogue score were recorded, operative time and postoperative first time to take analgesic were recorded. Results: Compared to the control group, patients received bupivacaine for unilateral superficial and deep cervical plexus block showed lower intraoperative isoflurane concentration and bispectral index, decreased postoperative visual analogue score, longer duration of analgesia, decreased plasma cortisol level. No patients developed adverse effects. Conclusion: Unilateral combined superficial and deep cervical plexus block is an effective technique to reduce intraoperative anesthetics and reduce postoperative analgesic requirements in patients undergoing unilateral block neck dissection surgery without any adverse effects. © 2012 Egyptian Society of Anesthesiologists. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.