A Comparison of the Postoperative Analgesic Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Dorsal Penile Nerve Block and Ultrasound-Guided Pudendal Nerve Block in Circumcision.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative analgesic effectiveness of the 2 block types. We also aimed to evaluate the effect of these block types on the postoperative complications and parental satisfaction.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This prospective observational study was conducted between April and July 2019 at a training and research hospital. Patients aged between 5 and 12 years in the ASA I-II group, who were scheduled for circumcision, were included in the study. The primary outcome was the pain measured using the Children's Hospital Eastern Ontario Pain Scale and the Faces Pain Scale-Revised. The secondary outcomes were the postoperative complications and parenteral satisfactions.

RESULTS

The number of patients receiving a pudendal block (n = 40) and dorsal penile nerve block (DPNB) block (n = 40) was equal. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups that were administered a DPNB and pudendal block in terms of pain scores (p > 0.05). We did not observe any postoperative block-related complications or side effects. Parents reported excellent satisfaction in both groups.

DISCUSSION: Ultrasound (US)-guided pudendal nerve block and US-guided DPNB provided effective and long-lasting postoperative analgesia for circumcision surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has shown that both blocks provide postoperative analgesia with similar effectiveness and ensured a very comfortable period at the circumcision surgery. Clinicians can use either of these techniques depending on their clinical circumstances and experience.