Efficacy of Preincisional Ultrasound Guided Pecto-intercostal Fascial Plane Block with Ropivacaine and Fentanyl in Patients Undergoing Open Heart Surgery by Median Sternotomy - A Prospective Single Blinded Randomized Controlled Study.

AIM: To evaluate the role of ultrasound (USG) guided Superficial Parasternal intercostal plane block (SPIP)/Pecto-Intercostal Fascial Plane Block (PIFB) on post sternotomy pain and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

METHODS

This prospective single-blinded, randomized controlled study was conducted in 75 adult patients of age 18-75 years of ASA II-III undergoing cardiac surgery by median sternotomy. Patients were randomized into three groups with 25 patients in each group. Group I patients did not receive any block. Group II patients received USG guided PIFB with 0.4% ropivacaine+ 25 μg fentanyl on each side. Group III patients received USG guided PIFB with 0.4% ropivacaine+ 50 μg fentanyl. Numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain, Time to extubation, hemodynamic parameters (heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure) and SpO 2 at various time points (T0: at extubation, T1: 2 h, T2: 4 h, T3: 8 h, T4: 16 h, T5: 24 h, T6: 48 h post extubation), cumulative fentanyl consumption and rescue analgesia, post operative nausea vomiting (PONV), time to drain removal, catheter removal, ambulation, length of intensive care unit (ICU), and hospital stay were noted.

RESULTS

Group II and III patients as compared to group I showed lower NRS values, shorter time to extubation, drain and catheter removal, early ambulation, stable hemodynamics, less fentanyl consumption and rescue analgesia requirement, less incidence of PONV, early ICU and hospital discharge. Group II and III had comparable results with no significant difference.

CONCLUSION

USG guided SPIP/PIFB provides improved postoperative pain control, reduces the need for perioperative opioids, faster extubation, early ICU and hospital discharge.