Research on the efficacy of the rectus sheath block method.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to retrospectively investigate the efficacy of ultrasound guided rectus sheath block (RSB) method in our study.

METHODS

We scanned 235 patient files operated for abdominal pathology. Patients meeting the criteria were evaluated for intra-operative rectus sheath block and two different groups were formed. In these two groups of patients visual analogue scale (VAS) values recorded from the postoperative pain follow-up form and analgesic delivery (DEL) and analgesic demand (DEM) values recorded from patient controlled analgesia (PCA) device were compared. In addition, complaints of nausea, vomiting and constipation were evaluated.

RESULTS

Postoperative VAS values (Postoperative 1, 12 and 24 hours p<0.001), DEM values (Postoperative 1, 12 and 24 hours p<0.001) and total amount of morphine consumed (Postoperative 1, 12 and 24 hours p<0.001) were lower in patients with RSB. Also, in patients with RSB nausea (p=0.014) and vomiting was less seen postoperatively (p=0.007). In the first 24 hours after surgery, constipation was seen in 8 patients with RSB and constipation was seen in 30 patients without RSB (p=0.00).

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound guided rectus sheath block is an effective method for postoperative pain control.