Serratus anterior plane block for cardiothoracic surgeries: a meta-analysis of randomized trials

Abstract

Abstract Background Comparison of serratus anterior plane block to different analgesic methods for anterolateral thoracic wall incisions. Meta-analysis was used to address this concern. Authors systemically searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane databases to identify all published randomized and prospective clinical trials, comparing the SAPB with other methods that used for analgesia in different thoracic surgical procedures and trauma. Results Ten studies were identified for inclusion in this study, involving a total of 735 patients. Meta-analysis showed that, compared with thoracic wall analgesia and PCA methods, the SAPB group resulted in a significant decrease in pain scores, significant decrease in consumption of analgesic drugs, and a significant decrease in the incidence of nausea and vomiting with no difference in the rate of hypotension. Conclusions The use of SAPB in cardiothoracic surgery and trauma is a safe and effective option for thoracic analgesia.

Keywords

• Serratus anterior plane block
• Postoperative pain
• Cardiothoracic surgeries