A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial has provided robust evidence for the efficacy of regional anaesthesia in cardiac surgery pain management. The multicentre study enrolled 308 adults and measured cumulative morphine equivalent doses in the first 48 hours post-operatively. Patients receiving bilateral SPIP blocks with ropivacaine demonstrated a 25% reduction in opioid consumption compared to the placebo group. Additionally, time to extubation improved significantly in the intervention cohort, with patients regaining respiratory independence faster than controls. Pain scores at 24 hours also favoured the nerve block group, with mean ratings of 3.2 versus 4.8 on a numerical pain rating scale. These quantifiable improvements suggest regional anaesthesia warrants consideration as a standard component of cardiac surgery pain protocols. Read the full article on GMJ Newsroom.
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