Exploring the Role of Regional Anesthesia in the Treatment of the Burn-injured Patient: A Narrative Review of Current Literature

Abstract

Objectives: The review article was designed to assess the effectiveness of regional anesthesia (RA), specifically peripheral nerve blocks, in the treatment of burn pain; with noting of clinical indications and contraindications for peripheral nerve block application, along with discussion of evidence-based analgesic strategies for providing improved, comprehensive burn pain management.

Materials and methods: A search of relevant literature was performed using CINAHL, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and SCOPUS with a publication date between January 2005 and December 2017.

Results: The search yielded 10 results that met criteria. Two randomized control trials were included, though they focused on analgesia for donor-site pain only, 1 clinical trial, 2 case series, 2 retrospective audit, 1 burn protocol, and 2 review articles.

Discussion: RA techniques are an adjunct therapy currently used worldwide to improve patient pain outcomes and reduce the adverse effects associated with general anesthetic. RA presents a safe and effective intervention for acute pain resulting from burn-acquired injury. This review of current literature supports the use of RA as a treatment to manage pain associated with burn-related care procedures as an addition to multimodal pain treatment. To date there is limited evidence showing the use of RA in the burns' patient population. In addition, there appear to be no particular risks to using the technique of RA in this group. Further prospective studies are required to provide information about the benefits and limitations of RA.