Describe the results of pain relief following thyroidectomy using bilateral superficial cervical plexus block under ultrasound guidance at Hai Phong Medical University Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To describe the results of pain relief using the bilateral superficial cervical plexus block under ultrasound guidance in patients undergoing thyroid surgery at Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital from August 2024 to April 2025. Subjects and Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 30 patients who received bilateral superficial cervical plexus block under ultrasound guidance using 0.5% Levobupivacaine during thyroid surgery at Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital from August 2024 to April 2025. Results: The average effective pain relief duration was 9.1 ± 1.7 hours. The average VAS score within 24 hours for patients in the study was below 3 in four different assessment states (at rest, during neck movement, while swallowing, and during phonation). The rates of very satisfied and satisfied patients were 53.3% and 46.7%, respectively, with no patients reporting dissatisfaction. The method of bilateral superficial cervical plexus block under ultrasound guidance did not affect the patients' heart rate, blood pressure, or SpO2 levels, and a few mild adverse effects were noted at low rates, such as mild nausea (10%) and hoarseness (3.3%). Conclusion: The method of bilateral superficial cervical plexus block is an effective analgesic technique for pain relief in thyroidectomy, reducing the need for systemic analgesics postoperatively and providing patient satisfaction. The average effective pain relief duration was 9.1 ± 1.7 hours. These side effects are not dangerous to patients and resolve spontaneously once the anesthetic wears off.