Effects of suprascapular and axillary nerve block on postoperative pain relief sevoflurane consumption and visual clarity in arthroscopic shoulder surgery

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effects of suprascapular nerve and axillary nerve block on postoperative pain, tramadol consumption, sevoflurane consumption and visual clarity of the surgical field in arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

Methods: Forty-six patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery were randomized to receive either both suprascapular and axillary nerve block with ultrasound guidance (20 ml 0.25% bupivacaine) before general anesthesia (group SSAXB, n=23) or a subacromial local infiltration (20 ml 0.25% bupivacaine) after the procedure (group control, n=23). End-tidal sevoflurane consumption, visualization of the arthroscopic field scores of the patients were recorded during the procedure. The patient's postoperative pain scores (at PACU, 4, 8, 12, 24 hours after the surgery) and tramadol consumption were also recorded.

Results: End-tidal sevoflurane concentration values were similar in both groups (p>0.05). Group SSAXB had a better mean static pain score in the PACU (Group SSAXB 4.27±1.48 vs Group C 6.24±1.09 p<0.05). Tramadol consumption was lower in group SSAXB than in group C (253.1±85.3 mg vs 324.2±72 mg, p=0.005). Visual clarity scores of the arthroscopic field were higher in group SSAXB than in group C along the intraoperative period (p<0.05).

Conclusion: SSAXB are effective in postoperative analgesia, reduce tramadol consumption and provide a clean image in the arthroscopic area of arthroscopic shoulder surgery, but these blocks do not reduce sevoflurane consumption.