The Impact of Bilateral Suprazygomatic Maxillary Nerve Blocks on Postoperative Pain Control in Patients Undergoing Orthognathic Surgery

Abstract

Aims: The mainstay of analgesia in orthognathic interventions for maxillary hypoplasia is perioperative opioids, however, the side effect profile is broad with the potential for well-described deleterious effects. The suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block has been previously shown to be effective in decreasing pain associated with palatal surgery. To date, there have been no studies detailing the use of maxillary nerve blocks as an adjunctive pain control measure during correction of maxillary hypoplasia. Consequently, we sought to evaluate the efficacy of intra-operative, ultrasound-guided bilateral suprazygomatic maxillary nerve blockade in decreasing postoperative narcotic consumption in patients undergoing Le Fort I level surgical orthognathic correction of cleft-related maxillary hypoplasia. Methods: Between January and December 2019, patients underdoing suprazygomatic maxillary nerve blockade for orthognathic correction of maxillary hypoplasia via either Le Fort I advancement or distraction were prospectively collected and compared to controls. Patient demographics, narcotic use (represented as morphine milligram equivalents per kg; MME/kg), self-reported pain scales, operative times, length of stay (LOS), and complication rates were compared. Results: Over the 12-month interval, 40 patients met inclusion criteria (n = 19 Block; n = 21 Control). Mean ages were 15.6 and 15.9 years, respectively. The block group demonstrated a significant reduction in postoperative narcotic requirements on POD1 and POD2 when compared to controls (POD1: 0.020 mg/kg vs 0.066 mg/kg, P < .005; POD2: 0.030 mg/kg vs 0.080 mg/kg, P < .016), with a trend toward significance thereafter. Corroboratively, self-reported pain scores in the first 24 hours were significantly decreased in the block compared to control groups with a trend toward significance thereafter (POD1: 1.13 vs 2.72, P < .001; POD2: 1.72 vs 2.56, P < .08; POD3: 1.21 vs 2.07, P < .06). LOS was decreased by an average of 1 day in the block group, operative times were unchanged, and neither group evidenced perioperative complication or return to service within 30 days. Conclusion: Administration of bilateral suprazygomatic maxillary nerve blocks in patients undergoing Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy for correction of cleft-related maxillary deficiency demonstrated a significant reduction in post-operative narcotic requirements, self-reported pain scales, and LOS without increased complications, suggesting its utility as a safe and effective analgesic adjunct in this patient population.