Laparoscopic Superior Hypogastric Blocks for Postoperative Pain Management in Hysterectomies: A New Technique for Superior Hypogastric Blocks.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of intraoperative superior hypogastric blocks on postoperative pain management.

DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).

SETTING: Kocaeli Derince Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kocaeli, Turkey.

PATIENTS: Sixty female patients who underwent elective laparoscopic hysterectomy were included in this study. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those who had intraoperative superior hypogastric plexus (SHP) block (Hypo; n = 30) and those who did not have intraoperative SHP block (No-Hypo; n = 30).

INTERVENTIONS: Intraoperative SHP blocks were performed with the modified laparoscopic technique previously described by us.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Rescue analgesic time was calculated in minutes as the time interval between the last administration of analgesic in the operating room or postanesthesia care unit and the first analgesic demand in the surgical ward. Rescue analgesic times were found to be significantly higher in the Hypo group. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioid requirements in the postanesthesia care unit and in the surgical ward were significantly lower in the Hypo group. There was no difference between groups in postoperative nausea and vomiting.

CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative SHP block is a preferable modality for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing hysterectomy. The surgical laparoscopic modified anterior approach we describe is an uncomplicated and easily applicable method. More effective results would be seen if used together with wound site local anesthetic infiltration or abdominal wall plane blocks. (Clinical trial registration no. NCT03427840.).