Stellate ganglion block does not change the tympanic membrane temperatures of either block or unblock sides in male volunteers.

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To test the effect of stellate ganglion block on tympanic membrane temperatures.

DESIGN

Prospective, observational study.

SETTING

Department of Anesthesia, Yamanashi Medical University, Yamanashi, Japan.

SUBJECTS

7 healthy male volunteers.

INTERVENTIONS

Stellate ganglion block, 6 ml of 1% mepivacaine hydrochloride, was administered.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Application of temperature probes (right and left tympanic membranes, eight adhesive right skin-surface temperatures at the chest, upper arm, digital fingertip, lateral calf, thigh, and great toe) was followed by a 30-minute control period. Temperatures were recorded every 15 minutes for 30 minutes before stellate ganglion block and every 5 minutes for 40 minutes after the block. The right tympanic membrane temperature increased slightly but not significantly compared with the left tympanic membrane temperature 10 minutes after stellate ganglion block and subsequently. Right skin-surface temperature gradients at the upper limb decreased slightly but not significantly after stellate ganglion block. Similarly, right skin-surface temperature gradients at the lower limb decreased slightly but not significantly after stellate ganglion block.

CONCLUSIONS

Stellate ganglion block does not change the tympanic membrane temperatures of either block or unblock sides.