Superficial Cervical Plexus Block and Quality of Recovery after Thyroidectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
AnesthesiologyJun 10, 2026 (epub)
Anita M Jegarl, Mitchell Martin, Nicholas R Cormier et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of bilateral superficial cervical plexus blocks on recovery quality in 160 adults undergoing thyroidectomy. The primary outcome, measured by the QoR-40 survey on postoperative day 1, showed no significant difference between the bupivacaine and saline groups (mean scores 174 vs 173, P = 0.688). However, the bupivacaine group had lower total opioid consumption in the PACU.
Key findings
- Mean QoR-40 scores were 174 for bupivacaine and 173 for saline, with no significant difference (P = 0.688).
- Total opioid consumption in the PACU was lower in the bupivacaine group (median 0) compared to saline (median 2, P = 0.017).
- Fewer participants in the bupivacaine group required rescue antiemetics (3.8% vs 16%, P = 0.011).
Why it matters
Understanding the effectiveness of adjunctive analgesic techniques like cervical plexus blocks can help optimize postoperative recovery protocols and pain management strategies in surgical patients.