Abstract

It is questionable if pre-emptive intercostal nerve block (pre-ICNB) or post-ICNB has the same analgesic effects. For patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), the purpose of study is to assess the effectiveness of pre-emptive ICNB on perioperative outcomes. Method: This study had an open-label, randomised design. The eligible patients scheduled for lobectomy for lung cancer were assigned to either the pre-ICNB group or the post-ICNB group. The present study involved the observation of postoperative pain assessment, patient rehabilitation, and opioid utilisation. Result: The patient count was 86. Compared to the post-ICNB group, the pre-ICNB group had less concurrent hypertension (P = 0.023), less morphine MME use (P = 0.016), and faster extubation (P = 0.019). The pre-ICNB group had identical Bruggrmann Comfort Scale (BCS) scores in the postoperative 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h (p> 0.05) and dynamic pain Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores in the PACU. The pre-ICNB and post-ICNB groups had identical Mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and Ramsay test outcomes, except for the postoperative 6-hour results (P = 0.048 and P = 0.019, respectively). After 1 month, pain assessment was similar to the ICBN group (p> 0.05). Conclusion: Pre-ICNB reduces intra-operative opioid consumption, speeding PACU recovery, and manages perioperative pain as well as post-ICNB.

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