Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is one of the most common congenital malformations and requires repeated surgical correction during childhood. Surgical repair is often associated with significant postoperative pain, traditionally managed with morphine, which carries a risk of undesirable side effects. The suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block (SZMNB) has been shown to provide effective analgesia and may reduce the need for opioids.
Routine use of SZMNB was introduced at the pediatric surgery unit at Karolinska University Hospital in late 2017. A before-and-after evaluation project based on retrospective chart review was initiated in 2018 but was not completed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The aim of this project is to investigate whether the introduction of SZMNB has reduced postoperative morphine requirements and opioid-related side effects, and whether this has resulted in shorter hospital stays (earlier discharge) after cleft palate repair.
children aged 3 months to 15 years.
Underwent cleft palate (LKG) surgery between 2017-2018.
Available and complete medical records including perioperative notes, anesthesia documentation, and discharge summaries.
Received either standard systemic analgesia alone (2017) or standard analgesia plus suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block (SZMNB) (2018).
None
Karolinska Institutet
Lead sponsor
Karolinska University Hospital
Sponsor institution