Role of scalp nerve block in improving the quality of rehabilitation in patients after meningioma resection: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND

In this study, we analyzed whether scalp nerve block with ropivacaine can improve the quality of rehabilitation in patients after meningioma resection.

METHODS

We included 150 patients who were undergoing craniotomy in our hospital and categorized them into 2 groups - observation group (patients received an additional regional scalp nerve block anesthesia) and control group (patients underwent intravenous general anesthesia for surgery), using the random number table method approach (75 patients in each group). The main indicator of the study was the Karnofsky Performance Scale scores of patients at 3 days postoperatively, and the secondary indicator was the anesthesia satisfaction scores of patients after awakening from anesthesia. The application value of different anesthesia modes was studied and compared in the 2 groups.

RESULTS

Patients in the observation group showed better anesthesia effects than those in the control group, with significantly higher Karnofsky Performance Scale scores at 3 days postoperatively (75.02 vs 66.43, P < .05) and anesthesia satisfaction scores. Compared with patients in the control group, patients in the observation group had lower pain degrees at different times after the surgery, markedly lower dose of propofol and remifentanil for anesthesia, and lower incidence of adverse reactions and postoperative complications. In addition, the satisfaction score of the patients and their families for the treatment was higher and the results of all the indicators were better in the observation group than in the control group, with statistically significant differences (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Scalp nerve block with ropivacaine significantly improves the quality of short-term postoperative rehabilitation in patients undergoing elective craniotomy for meningioma resection. This is presumably related to the improvements in intraoperative hemodynamics, relief from postoperative pain, and reduction in postoperative nausea and vomiting.