Efficacy of Ultrasound Guided PIFB Versus Lidocaine Infusion on Postoperative Pain After Thoracotomy

Overview

Chronic pain is a common complication after cardiothoracic surgery. The prevalence of post-thoracotomy pain syndrome (PTPS) ranges from 33% to 91%. Exact pathogenetic mechanisms for developing chronic pain after thoracotomy are unknown. Apart from intraoperative nerve damage and subsequent postoperative neuropathic pain, operation techniques, age, sex, pre-existing pain, genetic and psychosocial factors, severe postoperative pain, and analgesic management are suspected to have an impact on the development of PTPS .

Description

Ultrasound-guided Pecto-intercostal Fascial Block (PIFB) has been advocated by some researchers for cardiac surgery. Pecto-intercostal fascial plane block (PIFB) is a novel, minimally invasive, regional fascial plane block technique. PIFB was first described by de la Torre in patients undergoing breast surgery . PIFB targets the anterior intercostal nerves as they run in the fascial plane between the pectoral and the intercostal muscles and emerge on either side of the sternum.

Also, lidocaine, a short-acting local anesthetic, has been proved to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects . The application of lidocaine by continuous infusion in the intraoperative period and immediately after the surgery appears to reduce the immediate postoperative pain, and may prevent the PTPS

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

1. age between 18 and 75 years.
2. patient scheduled to undergo elective on-pump cardiac surgery with sternotomy.
3. American Society of Anesthesiologists classification of physical status < IV.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. emergency surgery.
2. off-pump surgery.
3. redo surgery.
4. ejection fraction less than 35%.
5. refusal of the patient.
6. known hypersensitivity to LA.
7. chronic opioid use or chronic pain patient.
8. psychiatric problems or communication difficulties.
9. liver insufficiency (defined as a serum bilirubin ≥ 34 μmol/l, albumin ≤ 35 g/dl, INR ≥ 1.7).
10. renal insufficiency (defined as a glomerular filtration rate < 44 ml/min).
11. obstructive sleep apnea syndrom.
12. coexisting hematologic disorders.
13. pregnancy or breastfeeding.