OBJECTIVE: Recently, the cases about successful regional anesthesia using combined superficial cervical plexus block and interscalene brachial plexus block for clavicle surgery have been reported. The aim of this study was to compare regional anesthesia using combined superficial cervical plexus block and interscalene brachial plexus block with general anesthesia. METHODS: In this prospective randomized study, 26 patients scheduled for elective clavicle surgery were divided into two groups: the first group was general anesthesia group (GA group, n=13) and the second group for peripheral nerve block group (PNB group, n=13). Standardized general anesthesia was done to the patients assigned to the GA group and ultrasonography-guided combined superficial cervical plexus block and interscalene brachial plexus block was done to the patients assigned to the PNB group. Postoperative sedation scale was assessed at post-anesthesia care unit, and pain scale using 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was assessed at immediate postoperative, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 6 hours, and 24 hours. Patients needed additional analgesics, and time for first analgesic demand and duration from surgery to discharge was recorded. RESULTS: The pain VAS scales were less in PNB group than GA group from immediate postoperative time to 6 hours. The patients' immediate postoperative sedation scale less than 4 were significantly less in PNS group than GA group. The duration from surgery to discharge was shorter in PNS group than GA group. CONCLUSION: Regional anesthesia using combined superficial cervical plexus block and interscalene brachial plexus block is a successful alternative to general anesthesia for clavicle surgery.
Analgesics ; Anesthesia, Conduction ; Anesthesia, General ; Brachial Plexus Block ; Brachial Plexus ; Cervical Plexus Block ; Cervical Plexus ; Clavicle ; Humans ; Peripheral Nerves ; Prospective Studies ; Visual Analog Scale ; Weights and Measures

BACKGROUND: The surgical strategies for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) vary in terms of the anesthesia method, neurological monitoring, shunt usage, and closure technique, and no gold-standard procedure has been established yet. We aimed to analyze the feasibility and benefits of CEA under regional anesthesia (RA) and CEA under general anesthesia (GA).METHODS: Between June 2012 and December 2017, 65 patients who had undergone CEA were enrolled, and their medical records were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed. A total of 35 patients underwent CEA under RA with cervical plexus block, whereas 30 patients underwent CEA under GA. In the RA group, a carotid shunt was selectively used for patients who exhibited negative results on the awake test. In contrast, such a shunt was used for all patients in the GA group.RESULTS: There were no cases of postoperative stroke, cardiovascular events, or mortality. Nerve injuries were noted in 4 patients (3 in the RA group and 1 in the GA group), but they fully recovered prior to discharge. Operative time and clamp time were shorter in the RA group than in the GA group (119.29±27.71 min vs. 161.43±20.79 min, p<0.001; 30.57±6.80 min vs. 51.77±13.38 min, p<0.001, respectively). The hospital stay was shorter in the RA group than in the GA group (14.6±5.05 days vs. 18.97±8.92 days, p=0.022). None of the patients experienced a stroke or restenosis during the 27.23±20.3-month follow-up period.CONCLUSION: RA with a reliable awake test reduces shunt use and decreases the clamp and operative times of CEA, eventually resulting in a reduced length of hospital stay.
Anesthesia ; Anesthesia, Conduction ; Anesthesia, General ; Carotid Arteries ; Cervical Plexus Block ; Endarterectomy ; Endarterectomy, Carotid ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Medical Records ; Methods ; Mortality ; Myocardial Infarction ; Operative Time ; Prospective Studies ; Retrospective Studies ; Stroke

BACKGROUND: Bilateral superficial cervical plexus block (BSCPB) provides good postoperative analgesia, but its effect on anesthetic consumption is unknown. This study evaluated the effects of BSCPB on sevoflurane consumption during thyroid surgery. METHODS: Fifty patients were randomly allocated into groups A and B of 25 each in this prospective double-blind study. Group A received BSCPB with 20 ml 0.25% bupivacaine, whereas group B received 20 ml saline immediately before entropy-guided general anesthesia. Intraoperative hemodynamic parameters, end-tidal sevoflurane concentration, minimum alveolar concentration, and sevoflurane consumption were recorded. Postoperative pain was assessed using a visual analog scale, and the time of the first request for analgesia was noted. All side effects were recorded. RESULTS: Demographics were comparable. Mean sevoflurane consumption [for 30 min: group A = 7.2 (1.1) ml, group B = 8.8 (2.0) ml, P = 0.001; for 60 min: group A = 13.5 (1.7) ml, group B = 16.5 (3.9) ml, P = 0.002] and mean end-tidal sevoflurane concentration [for 30 min: group A = 1.2% (0.2%), group B = 1.4% (0.2%), P = 0.008; for 60 min: group A = 1.2% (0.1%), group B = 1.4% (0.2%), P = 0.010] were significantly lower in group A. Patients in group A had a longer duration of analgesia [361.6 (79.5) min vs. 151.0 (60.2) min, P < 0.001] compared to those in group B. CONCLUSIONS: Preinduction BSCPB during thyroid surgery significantly reduced sevoflurane consumption and increased the duration of postoperative analgesia.
Analgesia ; Anesthesia, General* ; Bupivacaine ; Cervical Plexus Block* ; Cervical Plexus* ; Demography ; Double-Blind Method ; Entropy ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Nerve Block ; Pain, Postoperative ; Prospective Studies* ; Thyroid Gland* ; Thyroidectomy ; Visual Analog Scale

Cervical plexus blocks (CPBs) have been used in various head and neck surgeries to provide adequate anesthesia and/or analgesia; however, the block is performed in a narrow space in the region of the neck that contains many sensitive structures, multiple fascial layers, and complicated innervation. Since the intermediate CPB was introduced in addition to superficial and deep CPBs in 2004, there has been some confusion regarding the nomenclature and definition of CPBs, particularly the intermediate CPB. Additionally, as the role of ultrasound in the head and neck region has expanded, CPBs can be performed more safely and accurately under ultrasound guidance. In this review, the authors will describe the methods, including ultrasound-guided techniques, and clinical applications of conventional deep and superficial CPBs; in addition, the authors will discuss the controversial issues regarding intermediate CPBs, including nomenclature and associated potential adverse effects that may often be neglected, focusing on the anatomy of the cervical fascial layers and cervical plexus. Finally, the authors will attempt to refine the classification of CPB methods based on the target compartments, which can be easily identified under ultrasound guidance, with consideration of the effects of each method of CPB.
Airway Obstruction ; Analgesia ; Anesthesia ; Cervical Plexus Block* ; Cervical Plexus* ; Classification ; Head ; Methods ; Neck ; Ultrasonography

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the change trend and correlation between the perioperative pain degree and neuroendocrine hormone levels in the perioperative period on patients with thyroid surgery by electroacupuncture combined with cervical plexus block. METHODS: Forty patients with elective thyroidectomy were enrolled and divided into a control group and an observation group according to the random number table method, 20 cases in each group. In the control group, cervical plexus block was performed. In the observation group, the cervical plexus block combined with electroacupuncture (EA) were given. After the cervical plexus block was completed, the EA was applied at the bilateral Hegu (LI 4) and Neiguan (PC 6) for 30 min. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess the pain level before anesthesia (T), 2 h after operation (T), 12 h after operation (T), 24 h after operation (T) and 48 h after operation (T). Blood samples such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), C-reactive protein (CRP) and β-endorphin (β-EP) were collected to measure the level of neuroendocrine hormones, and to analyze the correlation between ACTH, CRP, β-EP and VAS scores. RESULTS: The VAS scores at T, T, T were higher than those at T in the two groups (all <0.05). The VAS scores T, T and T in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (all <0.05). The ACTH and CRP in the control group at T, T and T were significantly higher than those at T (all <0.05). The β-EP in the observation group at T, T and T was significantly higher than that at T (all <0.05). The ACTH and CRP in the observation group at T, T and T were lower than those in the control group,and the β-EP level was higher than that in the control group (all <0.05).The VAS score was significantly positively correlated with ACTH and CRP levels, and negatively correlated with β-EP. CONCLUSION EA stimulation can inhibit the secretion of ACTH and CRP, promote the release of β-EP, reduce the perioperative pain score, and inhibit the body's stress response.
Cervical Plexus Block ; Electroacupuncture ; Humans ; Pain Management ; Thyroid Gland ; surgery ; beta-Endorphin

BACKGROUND: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has been performed under regional and general anesthesia (GA). The general anesthesia versus local anesthesia for carotid surgery study compared the two techniques and concluded that there was no difference in perioperative outcomes. However, since this trial, new sedative agents have been introduced and devices that improve the delivery of regional anesthesia (RA) have been developed. The primary purpose of this pilot study was to compare intraoperative hemodynamic stability and postoperative outcomes between GA and ultrasound-guided superficial cervical plexus block (UGSCPB) under dexmedetomidine sedation for CEA.METHODS: Medical records from 43 adult patients who underwent CEA were retrospectively reviewed, including 16 in the GA group and 27 in the RA group. GA was induced with propofol and maintained with sevoflurane. The UGSCPB was performed with ropivacaine under dexmedetomidine sedation. We compared the intraoperative requirement for vasoactive drugs, postoperative complications, pain scores using the numerical rating scale, and the duration of hospital stay.RESULTS: There was no difference between groups in the use of intraoperative antihypertensive drugs. However, intraoperative inotropic and vasopressor agents were more frequently required in the GA group (p < 0.0001). In the GA group, pain scores were significantly higher during the first 24 h after surgery (p < 0.0001 between 0–6 h, p < 0.004 between 6–12 h, and p < 0.001 between 12–24 h). The duration of hospital stay was significantly more in the GA group (13.3±4.6 days in the GA group vs. 8.5±2.4 days in the RA group, p < 0.001).CONCLUSION: In this pilot study, intraoperative hemodynamic stability and postoperative outcomes were better in the RA compared to the GA group.
Adult ; Anesthesia, Conduction ; Anesthesia, General ; Anesthesia, Local ; Antihypertensive Agents ; Cervical Plexus Block ; Cervical Plexus ; Dexmedetomidine ; Endarterectomy, Carotid ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Medical Records ; Pilot Projects ; Postoperative Complications ; Propofol ; Retrospective Studies ; Ultrasonography ; Vasoconstrictor Agents

The neck has intricately connected neural structures, including cervical and brachial plexi, the sympathetic system, lower cranial nerves, and their branches. Except for brachial plexus, there has been little research regarding the normal imaging appearance or corresponding pathologies of neural structures in the neck. The development in imaging techniques with better spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio has made it possible to see many tiny nerves to predict complications related to image-guided procedures and to better assess treatment response, especially in the management of oncology patients. The purposes of this review is to present imaging-based anatomy of major nerves in the neck and explain their relevant clinical significance according to representative pathologies of regarded nerves in the neck.
Accessory Nerve ; Brachial Plexus ; Cervical Plexus ; Cervical Vertebrae ; Cranial Nerves ; Female ; Ganglia, Sympathetic ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Neck* ; Pathology* ; Signal-To-Noise Ratio ; Vagus Nerve

We present an uncommon case of hypoesthesia in the posterior and upper third of the superior area on the left ear auricle, after arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder in the lateral position under general anesthesia with ultrasound guided-interscalene brachial plexus block. A 65-year-old man underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair of the left shoulder in the right lateral decubitus position. Two days after operation, he complained of numbness around the left auricle; his symptoms persisted until 6 weeks after surgery. Audiometry and sensory examinations were normal. He recovered naturally by 6 months postoperatively. Postoperative neurological deficits that may not be block-related can be attributed to a combination of factors, such as patient-, anesthesia-, and surgery-related factors, including direct trauma, positioning, and retraction. Anesthesiologists should be aware that the injury may not be block-related and consider other possible causes.
Aged ; Anesthesia, General* ; Arthroscopy* ; Audiometry ; Brachial Plexus Block ; Cervical Plexus* ; Ear Auricle ; Humans ; Hypesthesia* ; Patient Positioning ; Peripheral Nerves ; Rotator Cuff ; Shoulder* ; Ultrasonography*

OBJECTIVE: To present the case of a 46-year-old woman with basal cell carcinoma, odontogenic cysts, brain anomalies and skeletal abnormalities.
METHODS:
Design: Case Report
Setting: Tertiary National University Hospital
Patient: One
RESULTS: A 46-year-old woman consulted for a non-healing, necrotic left orbital ulcer that started as a skin-colored, papilla-like lesion on the upper eyelid. There were also hyperpigmented lesions with ill-defined borders over both paranasal areas. Tissue biopsies revealed basal cell carcinoma. Radiologic imaging showed cystic lesions in the mandible, straightening of cervical vertebrae and calcifications of the falx cerebri, tentorium cerebelli, pineal gland and choroid plexus. Based on established major and minor clinical and radiologic criteria, we arrived at a diagnosis of Gorlin Goltz Syndrome or Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome (NBCCS). She underwent wide excision of the left orbital mass with exenteration, excision of left and right paranasal masses, left total parotidectomy with facial nerve preservation, enucleation of mandibular cyst and cervicofacial reconstruction with skin grafts of the left orbital area and ala.
CONCLUSIONS: NBCCS is a rare autosomal dominant disorder with a high tendency for neoplasms and developmental anomalies. Diagnosis can easily be missed if the physician is unaware of its classic but bizarre presentation. Early recognition and prompt specialist referral is very important in order to prevent complications and provide better prognosis. Patients should be reminded of the importance of follow-up as other presentations of the syndrome may manifest later in life and family genetic screening and counseling should be undertaken.

Human ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome ; Choroid Plexus ; Pineal Gland ; Facial Nerve ; Ulcer ; Carcinoma, Basal Cell ; Odontogenic Cysts ; Mandible ; Cervical Vertebrae ; Prefrontal Cortex

A 70-year-old woman with an infectious thrombus in her left internal jugular vein (IJV) underwent carotid endarterectomy for stenosis and a highly movable plaque in her right carotid artery. She had been treated with antibiotics for four weeks before surgery due to Lemierre syndrome, a rare septic thrombophlebitis in the IJV secondary to an oropharyngeal infection. The right IJV was in a two-fold dilated state due to compensation for a thrombotic left IJV. Accordingly, superficial cervical plexus block was performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure safety and accuracy. During surgery, the alertness was maintained and the patient did not complain of pain in the absence of additional analgesics. No block-related complications were encountered. The authors report for the first time their regional anesthetic experiences in a patient with Lemierre syndrome.
Aged ; Analgesics ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Carotid Arteries ; Cervical Plexus Block* ; Cervical Plexus* ; Compensation and Redress ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Endarterectomy, Carotid* ; Female ; Humans ; Jugular Veins ; Lemierre Syndrome* ; Thrombophlebitis ; Thrombosis ; Ultrasonography