Single shot intercostal block for pain management in pediatric patients undergoing the Nuss procedure: a double-blind, randomized, controlled study

PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a single shot intercostal block for pain control in pediatric patients undergoing the Nuss procedure.MethodsA double-blind, randomized, controlled study was performed. Thirty patients received a single shot bilateral intercostal block with levobupivacaine (L group) and 30 patients with 0.9 % saline (S group). Standardized baseline analgesia was applied for all patients. Morphine consumption, pain scores, respiratory depression, nausea and vomiting, and urinary retention were recorded every 3 h for 48 h after surgery.ResultsThe loading dose of morphine was lower (p < 0.00001) in the L group. There were significantly lower morphine doses up to 6 h after surgery and VAS scores up to 3 h after surgery in the L group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.0003, respectively). The incidence of nausea and vomiting was lower in the L group (< 0.00001). The incidence of urinary retention was lower in the L group (p = 0.019).ConclusionsA single shot IB is an effective additional treatment for pediatric patients undergoing the Nuss procedure and results in the reduced consumption of morphine, less postoperative pain, and fewer opioid-related adverse effects.