Post-thyroidectomy bilateral cervical plexus block relieves pain: a systematic review

To assess the effectiveness of bilateral superficial cervical plexus block (BSCPB) in treating post-thyroidectomy pain.

MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, LILACS, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, were extensively searched. The search period extended from 1968 until December 2022. Randomized controlled trials comparing BSCPB to placebo, no block in patients with thyroidectomy for benign or malignant thyroid disease were included. Outcomes were pain in the first 24 h after surgery. Analgesic rescue, period before the first rescue dosage, and 24-h opioid usage were secondary outcomes. The RoB 2 instrument was used to evaluate the risk of bias.

34 of 354 studies were eligible. There were 2,519 patients. BSCPB reduced the intensity of pain postoperatively [SMD: − 1.17 (95% CI: − 1.54 to − 0.81)] and in the first 24 h [− 0.62 (95%: 0.91 to 0.33)]. A considerable delay for the first opioid dose, rescue analgesics, and postoperative opioid usage was also found.

BSCPB’s 24-h analgesic efficacy minimizes the requirement for rescue analgesia, postoperative opioid intake, and rescue analgesia start time. The choice of anesthetic and different application methods might affect its effectiveness.