A prospective randomized clinical trial on the differential effect of left versus right stellate ganglion block on perioperative stress response.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to investigate the differential effects of left versus right stellate ganglion block (SGB) on perioperative stress response.

METHODS

Sixty patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly divided into two groups, the left SGB (LSGB) group and the right SGB (RSGB) group. After routine general anesthesia, ultrasound-guided left or right SGB was performed 20 min before anesthesia induction in the LSGB and RSGB groups. The primary outcome was the difference in blood pressure and heart rate recorded at T1 (admission), T2 (before anesthesia induction), T3 (immediately after intubation), T4 (after pneumoperitoneum establishment), T5 (postoperative end), and T6 (exit). Serum cortisol levels measured at T1, T3, T4, and T6, and adverse reactions were regarded as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

The heart rate at T2 and T3 in the RSGB group was sharply lower than that in the LSGB group (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in heart rate and blood pressure in the two groups at the other time points (P > 0.05). No significant differences were observed in serum cortisol levels and adverse reactions between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Right SGB has a more significant short-term effect on heart rate reduction than left stellate ganglion block. Serum cortisol levels and adverse reactions were comparable between the two groups.

CLINICAL TRIAL: The project was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100053789) on 2021/11/29.