Ultrasound-guided selective supraclavicular nerve block for postoperative pain control in children receiving Hickman catheter or chemoport insertion: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Optimal pain management after insertion of a central venous catheter in children remains unclear. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a selective supraclavicular nerve block on postoperative analgesia in pediatric patients undergoing hickman catheter or chemoport insertion. Methods: Fifty patients aged 3–18 years scheduled for elective Hickman or chemoport insertion were randomized into two groups of 25 each: one group received an ultrasound-guided selective supraclavicular nerve block with 0.1 mL/kg of 0.5% ropivacaine (SSCNB group), and the other group did not receive a nerve block (control group). The primary outcome was the postoperative Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale score measured between 10 and 30 min after surgery. Secondary outcomes included pain scores at 1, 3, and 24 h after the surgery, block-related complications, length of stay in the postanesthesia care unit, postoperative analgesic consumption, and time to first analgesic use 24 h after surgery. Results: The worst pain score within 30 min in the recovery room was significantly lower in the SSCNB group compared to the control group (6 [5–7] vs. 3 [2–4]; median difference, −3; 95% CI, −4 to −1; p