Single-dose intravenous ibuprofen versus ultrasound‑guided bilateral superficial cervical plexus block for post‑thyroidectomy pain: A randomized study

Abstract

Ibuprofen has been using for postoperative pain relief for many years. The bilateral superficial cervical plexus block has been performed for thyroid surgery safely and effectively. We propose to compare them regarding postoperative opioid consumption and pain scores. A total of 60 patients was randomized into two groups. The Ibuprofen group (Group I , n=30) recieved 800 mg intravenous ibuprofen in 100 mL saline 15 minutes before general anesthesia induction. The patients who randomized for bilateral superficial cervical plexus block group (Group S, n=30) were performed a bilateral superficial cervical plexus block group. Opioid consumption, pain scores, and side effects were recorded and data were analysed. The fentanyl consumption during 48 hours after surgery with PCA device was recorded. No significant difference was found. The mean pain scores were recorded at 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h after surgery. No significant difference was found at the first 8 hours between two groups. However, there was statistically significant difference at 12, 24 and 48th hours. No significant difference was found regarding adverse effects in both groups. Both ibuprofen and bilateral superficial cervical plexus block are used for post-thyroidectomy pain in the literature. Ibuprofen has promising effect on postoperative pain relief and opioid consumption. A single dose ibuprofen may prevent pain as successful as bilateral superficial cervical plexus block for 8 hours after surgery..