ObjectiveTo compare the functioning time, duration, cervical vascular blood flow and adverse effects of different concentrations of ropivacaine mesylate in performing stellate ganglion block (SGB) under Doppler ultrasound. MethodsA total of 240 patients (grade Ⅰ or Ⅱ classified by American Society of Anesthesiologists) aged between 23 and 62 years old ready to undergo SGB between January and April 2013 were chosen for our research. They were randomly divided into two groups with 120 patients in each. Group A and B received unilateral SGB with 7 mL of 0.239% and 0.596% ropivacaine mesylate respectively. Successful SGB was verified by Horner syndrome. The functioning time, duration, hemodynamic changes, cervical vascular blood flow and adverse effects were recorded and compared. ResultsHorner syndrome was observed in all patients. There was no significant difference in functioning time between the two groups (P>0.05). The duration of functioning was significantly longer in group B than that in group A (P<0.05). No significant difference was found in hemodynamic changes after SGB (P>0.05). No adverse effects were found in both groups. The blood flow of the vertebral artery and the internal carotid artery before the injection and 10 minutes after the injection were not significantly diferent (P>0.05). ConclusionSGB can be induced with 0.239% and 0.596% ropivacaine mesylate. We suggest using 0.596% ropivacaine mesylate by ultrasound-guiding because of the significantly longer functioning duration.
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of stellate ganglion block (SGB) on postoperative palpebral edema in patients undergoing intracranial aneurysm surgery. MethodsSixty patients who were scheduled to undergo intracranial aneurysm surgery between September 2012 and Novermber 2014 were recruited, and were assigned into 2 groups randomly with 30 in each:SGB group and control group. Patients in SGB group were administered SGB by injecting 0.3% ropivacaine on the operative side under the ultrasound guidance after surgery completed, while patients in the control group received injection of saline on the operative side under the ultrasound guidance. Incidence of postoperative palpebral edema at hour 24, 48, and 72 after surgery were measured. Numerical rating scale (NRS) was used to detect the severity of uncomfortable symptoms for palpebral swelling during rest state. The severity of palpebral edema was evaluated with continuous rating scale (0-5, 0 indicated normal palpebral, and higher score indicated more serious palpebral edema). Complications related with SGB were recorded. ResultsThe overall incidence of palpebral edema at hour 24 after surgery in SGB group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the overall incidence of palpebral edema at hour 48 and 72 after surgery between the two groups (P>0.05). The palpebral edema rating scores of the SGB group at hour 24 after surgery were lower than those of the control group (P<0.01).The incidence of palpebral edema which was scored 3 or more at hour 24 and 48 after surgery in SGB group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found in the incidence of palpebral edema which was scored 3 or more at hour 72 after surgery between the two groups (P>0.05). No complication related with SGB was found. ConclusionSGB can safely reduce the incidence of postoperative palpebral edema in patients undergoing intracranial aneurysm surgery, and reduce the severity of palpebral edema.