Anesthesia for thyroid surgery and the possible role of regional blocks

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Abstract

The number of thyroid surgeries is increasing annually. The choice of anesthetic approach influences the speed and quality of postoperative recovery and affects the risk of complications. This review presents data from clinical studies and meta-analyses regarding the impact of various anesthesia methods in thyroid surgery on surgical stress response, hormonal status, and complication risk. The findings indicate that regional anesthesia techniques help to reduce postoperative pain intensity, nausea and vomiting, and the incidence of chronic postoperative pain syndrome. Incorporating regional anesthesia techniques into enhanced recovery after surgery protocols for thyroid surgery helps reduce hospital stay duration and treatment costs. The superficial cervical plexus block is a well-studied, simple, and safe technique, while the intermediate cervical plexus block is less studied but considered safe. The deep cervical plexus block is associated with a higher risk of serious complications. Advancements in ultrasound-guided anesthesia have enabled the use of previously inaccessible regional techniques. Potentially beneficial methods for thyroid surgery include pericapsular block and block of ligament of Berry. Further research is required to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these methods.

About the authors

Anton А. Alekseev

Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)

Email: aalekseev.aa@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0009-0005-8598-7928
SPIN-code: 2536-1337
Russian Federation, Moscow

Mikhail Е. Politov

Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)

Author for correspondence.
Email: politov.mikhail@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-0623-4927
SPIN-code: 2048-9705

MD, Cand. Sci. (Medicine)

Russian Federation, Moscow

Аlexei М. Ovechkin

Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)

Email: ovechkin_alexei@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-3453-8699
SPIN-code: 1277-9220

MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine)

Russian Federation, Moscow

Ekaterina А. Sozonova

Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)

Email: sozonova_katya@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-5224-5294
SPIN-code: 3033-9889
Russian Federation, Moscow

Andrey G. Yavorovskiy

Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)

Email: yavorovskiy_a_g@staff.sechenov.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-5103-0304
SPIN-code: 1343-9793

MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine)

Russian Federation, Moscow

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