Superficial cervical plexus block for vocal cord surgery in an awake pediatric patient

Anesth Analg. 2004 Jun;98(6):1656-1657. doi: 10.1213/01.ANE.0000114073.26682.A1.

Abstract

Medialization thyroplasty is a surgical procedure that decreases the incidence of dysphonia and dysphagia in patients who have vocal cord paralysis. We report a case of a pediatric patient who underwent this procedure with minimal sedation and bilateral superficial cervical plexus blockade. The use of a regional technique provided analgesia while allowing the patient to phonate at the request of the surgeon.

Implications: Medialization thyroplasty is a surgical procedure that decreases the incidence of dysphagia and dysphonia in patients with vocal cord paralysis. This procedure is best performed in a patient who maintains the ability to phonate. We report a case of medialization thyroplasty in a pediatric patient after bilateral superficial cervical plexus blocks with minimal sedation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Analgesics / administration & dosage
  • Cervical Plexus / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nerve Block / methods*
  • Vocal Cord Paralysis / drug therapy*
  • Vocal Cord Paralysis / surgery*
  • Wakefulness / drug effects*
  • Wakefulness / physiology

Substances

  • Analgesics