Annals of cardiac anaesthesia
Comparative Efficacy of Pecto-Intercostal Facial Plane Block vs Transversus Thoracic Facial Plane Block Combined with Rectus Sheath Block for Post-Sternotomy Analgesia: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
By Gupta P, Pula R, Polapally V and 4 others.
Abstract
Background
Ultrasound-guided facial plane blocks are central to enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery (ERACS) protocols, yet evidence comparing pecto-intercostal facial plane block (PIFB) and transversus thoracic facial plane block (TTPB) with rectus sheath block (RSB) remains limited.
Methods
This prospective, randomized, controlled trial enrolled 100 adult patients (ASA II-III) undergoing elective median sternotomy at a tertiary care hospital in South India. Patients received standardized general anesthesia and were randomized to bilateral PIFB or TTPB (20 mL 0.25% bupivacaine + 4 mg dexamethasone per side) with RSB after cardiopulmonary bypass. The primary outcome was 24-hour postoperative fentanyl consumption. Secondary outcomes included visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores at 0, 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-hours post-extubation, rescue analgesia, extubation timing, ICU/hospital stay, and complications.