The aim of this study is to evaluate how an ultrasound-guided bilateral intermediate cervical plexus block affects the surgical stress response in individuals undergoing total thyroidectomy. The primary objective is to quantify this physiological response through the analysis of specific stress and inflammatory biomarkers collected from the participants' saliva. The clinical trial will encompass a total of 48 patients, randomized equally into two distinct cohorts of 24 participants each. The control group will undergo standard total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA), whereas the experimental group will receive the bilateral intermediate cervical plexus block in combination with the TIVA protocol. It is hypothesized that integrating this regional nerve block with total intravenous anesthesia will significantly attenuate the surgical stress response, evidenced by a reduction in salivary biomarker concentration, compared to utilizing TIVA alone during thyroid surgery. Validating this hypothesis would offer robust scientific evidence to advocate for the routine integration of the bilateral intermediate cervical plexus block into standard anesthetic practices for total thyroidectomy. Ultimately, this approach aims to minimize perioperative stress and facilitate a more rapid postoperative recovery for patients.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
48
Following the induction of general anesthesia in the study group, an ultrasound-guided bilateral intermediate cervical plexus block will be performed. The cervical plexus is visualized on the screen as a small cluster of hypoechoic nodules beneath the posterolateral border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and immediately above the prevertebral fascia. After sterile preparation, a 22-gauge needle is inserted under ultrasound guidance in a lateromedial direction. The needle tip is positioned within the specified space, approximately 2 cm medial to the skin entry point. Following a negative aspiration test, 10 mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine is injected and visualized on the ultrasound screen. The same procedure will be repeated on the contralateral side.
Salivary IL-6 Concentration
Unit of measure: pg/mL
Time frame: Baseline (preoperatively), 1 hour after the completion of surgery, and 24 hours after the completion of surgery
Salivary Cortisol Concentration
Unit of measure: nmol/L
Time frame: Baseline (preoperatively), 1 hour after the completion of surgery, and 24 hours after the completion of surgery
Salivary Alpha-amylase Activity
Unit of measure: U/L
Time frame: Baseline (preoperatively), 1 hour after the completion of surgery, and 24 hours after the completion of surgery
Total Intraoperative Sufentanyl Consumption
Unit of measure: mcg/kg/min
Time frame: Intraoperative period
Total Postoperative Analgetics consumption
Unit of measure: mg
Time frame: During the first 24 hours after the completion of surgery
Time to Rescue Analgesia
Unit of measure: minutes
Time frame: During the first 24 hours after the completion of surgery
Hemodynamic Stability (heart rate)
Heart rate will be recorded during the resaerch period. Unit of measure: beats/minute
Time frame: Intraoperative period and during the first 24 hours after the completion of surgery
Postoperative Sedation Level
Postoperative seadtion level will be mesured by Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale ranging from -5 (deepely sedated) to +4 (highly agitated), with 0 being completely alert and calm.
Time frame: During the first 4 hours after the completion of surgery
Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting
The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting will be determined
Time frame: During the first 24 hours after the completion of surgery
Hemodynamic Stability (blood pressure)
Systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure will be recorded during the research peroid. Unit of measure: mmHg
Time frame: Intraoperative period and during the first 24 hours after the completion of surgery
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