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The efficacy of sphenopalatine ganglion block for pain management after endoscopic sinus surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies

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Abstract

Introduction

The efficacy of sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) block for pain control after endoscopic sinus surgery remains controversial. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the influence of SPG block on pain intensity after endoscopic sinus surgery.

Methods

We search PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through June 2019 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy of SPG block for pain management after endoscopic sinus surgery. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effect model.

Results

Six RCTs are included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control group for endoscopic sinus surgery, SPG block is associated with the decrease in pain scores at 6 h (Std. MD =  − 0.71; 95% CI =  − 1.08 to − 0.34; P = 0.0002) and 24 h (Std. MD =  − 0.51; 95% CI =  − 0.87 to − 0.14; P = 0.006), the number of rescue analgesics (RR = 0.26; 95% CI = 0.16 to 0.42; P < 0.00001) and incidence of nausea and vomiting (RR = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.30–0.89; P = 0.02), but demonstrate no obvious impact on pain scores at 2 h (Std. MD =  − 0.99; 95% CI =  − 2.80–0.83; P = 0.29) or headache (RR = 1.30; 95% CI = 0.38–4.46; P = 0.67).

Conclusions

SPG block can provide additional benefits for pain management after endoscopic sinus surgery.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Otolaryngology Department, The First People’s Hospital of Chongqing Liangjiang New Areas, No. 199, Renxing Road, Renhe Street, Chongqing, 401121, China

    Ping Wang

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  1. Ping Wang
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Correspondence to Ping Wang.

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Wang, P. The efficacy of sphenopalatine ganglion block for pain management after endoscopic sinus surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 278, 2681–2687 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-020-06484-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-020-06484-9

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