{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Perioperative pain management after scapular tip free flap harvesting for head and neck reconstruction using mini-catheters to inject the local anesthetic.
{Author}: Ferri A;Varazzani A;Tognin L;Bellanti L;Pedrazzi G;Bianchi B;Arcuri F;Ferrari S;Poli T;
{Journal}: Oral Maxillofac Surg
{Volume}: 28
{Issue}: 2
{Year}: 2024 Jun 25
暂无{DOI}: 10.1007/s10006-024-01212-7
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>Although functional and esthetic results after the use of a scapular tip free flap (STFF) in head and neck reconstruction, and the related donor-site morbidity, have been extensively described, data regarding acute postoperative donor-site pain management are lacking. Purpose of this study is to explore the use of mini-catheters to administer local anesthetics for donor-site pain management after reconstruction using STFF.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Patients who underwent head and neck reconstruction using a STFF were prospectively enrolled and, through a perineural catheter placed in the donor site during the surgical procedure, a bolus of chirochaine was injected before the patient regained consciousness and at 8, 16, and 24 h postoperatively. Before and 40 min after each dose administration, donor-site pain on a numerical rating scale (NRS; 0-10) was evaluated.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Study population consisted of 20 patients (40-88 years). At 8 h, the pain scores before and after the injection were 0-10 (mean 3.35) and 0-5 (mean 1.25), respectively. At 16 h, the pain scores before and after the injection were 0-8 (mean 2.55) and 0-4 (mean 0.55), respectively. At 24 h, the pain scores before and after the injection were 0-8 (mean 1.30) and 0-4 (mean 0.30), respectively.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Statistical analysis confirmed a significant difference between the pain scores before and after administration at 8, 16, and 24 h (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.003, respectively). Mini-catheters for local anesthetic administration represent an effective strategy for pain control after STFF harvesting for head and neck reconstruction.