Pectointercostal Fascial Block (PIFB) as a Novel Technique for Postoperative Pain Management in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

Abstract

Objective: To determine the efficacy of pectointercostal fascial block in relieving postoperative pain in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Design: Single-blinded, prospective, randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Single-center tertiary care teaching hospital.

Participants: A total 40 participants undergoing cardiac surgery aged 18 to 80 years.

Interventions: Subjects were categorized into 2 groups of 20 each. In group 2 participants (interventional group), bilateral pectointercostal fascial block was given using ropivacaine injection 0.25% after completion of surgery, before shifting to the intensive care unit.

Measurements and main results: Postoperative pain was measured after extubation at 0, 3, 6, and 12 hours, using a numeric rating scale. Pain in group 2 was significantly less and lasted for a longer duration than in group 1. Fentanyl requirement was significantly higher in group 1 (1.06 ± 0.12 µ/kg) than in group 2 (0.82 ± 0.19 µ/kg).

Conclusions: Pectointercostal fascial block is an easy and efficient technique to reduce postoperative pain after cardiac surgery.

Keywords: PIFB; Pectointercostal fascial block; cardiac surgery; pain.