Comparison of rectus sheath block and local anesthetic for analgesia in pediatric umbilical hernia repair: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Investigation into the clinical performance of rectus sheath block in reducing postoperative pain following surgical intervention: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Background and Aims

Rectus sheath block (RSB) is an effective postoperative pain control technique in abdominal surgical procedures. This systematic review evaluated the efficacy and outcome data of patients undergoing RSB compared to the standard of care in both laparoscopic and open surgical procedures.

Methods

This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022372596). The search was restricted to randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing RSB effectiveness on postoperative pain to any standard general anaesthesia technique (control). We systematically explored PubMed, Medline, Central, Scopus and Web of Science for RCTs from inception to September 2023. The primary outcome was the evaluation of pain scores at rest 0-2, 10-12 and 12-24 h postoperatively. The secondary outcome was the analysis of postoperative intravenous (IV) morphine equivalent consumption at 24-h. A risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials (ROB 2.0, Cochrane, Copenhagen, Denmark) assessment and Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE, Cochrane, Copenhagen, Denmark) analysis was conducted to evaluate the quality of the RCTs.

Results

Twenty RCTs involving 708 participants who received RSB intervention and 713 who received alternative analgesic care were included. RSB pain scores were significantly lower than control at 0-2 h (P < 0.001) and 10-12 h (P < 0.001) postoperatively. No significant effect was observed at 24 h (P = 0.11). RSB performance compared to control in 24-h IV morphine equivalency in milligrams was significantly lower (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

RSB implementation was associated with reduced postoperative pain scores and decreased opioid consumption in IV morphine equivalency up to 24 h following surgical intervention.

Chest Wall and Abdominal Blocks for Thoracic and Abdominal Surgeries: A Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to provide an up-to-date description and overview of the rapidly growing literature pertaining to techniques and clinical applications of chest wall and abdominal fascial plane blocks in managing perioperative pain.

RECENT FINDINGS

Clinical evidence suggests that regional anesthesia blocks, including fascial plane blocks, such as pectoralis, serratus, erector spinae, transversus abdominis, and quadratus lumborum blocks, are effective in providing analgesia for various surgical procedures and have more desirable side effect profile when compared to traditional neuraxial techniques. They offer advantages such as reduced opioid consumption, improved pain control, and decreased opioid-related side effects. Further research is needed to establish optimal techniques and indications for these blocks. Presently, they are a vital instrument in a gamut of multimodal analgesia options, especially when there are contraindications to neuraxial or para-neuraxial procedures. Ultimately, clinical judgment and provider skill set determine which blocks-alone or in combination-should be offered to any patient.