Comparison of Mean Postoperative Pain Score in Patients Undergoing Thyroidectomy with and Without Superficial Cervical Block

Abstract

 Objectives: To compare the average postoperative pain scores in patients undergoing thyroidectomy with the use of a superficial cervical block.

Study design and setting: This randomized controlled study was conducted in the Department of Anesthesiology at Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, over six months, from May 3, 2021, to November 2, 2021.

Methodology: After the hospital's ethical committee approval, a study was conducted involving 60 patients (both genders) belonging to ASA class I-II aged (18-60) years, scheduled for elective thyroidectomy under general anesthesia; randomly assigned to two groups by lottery method. Patients in Group-I received additional superficial cervical plexus block while those in Group-II were taken as controls. Outcome variable was mean Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score for post-operative pain, which was assessed after 2 hours of surgery in the recovery room in both groups. Written informed consent was taken from each patient.

Results: The mean age of patients ranged between 36.6 ± 12.6 years, with the majority (58.3%) aged 26-50 years. Most were female (80%), with a male to female ratio of 1:4. Patients receiving superficial cervical plexus block had significantly lower post-operative pain (mean VAS 2.17±0.84) compared to controls (3.60±1.04), with similar significant differences across age, gender, body mass index, ASA status, and surgery duration.

 , Post-Operative Pain, Superficial Cervical Plexus Block, Thyroidectomy 

Conclusions: Superficial cervical plexus block significantly reduces post-operative pain in thyroidectomy patients under general anaesthesia, potentially decreasing opioid use and promoting faster recovery, making it a preferred part of anaesthetic technique for future practice.