Intraoperative Ultrasound-Guided Selective Glossopharyngeal Nerve Block for Post-tonsillectomy Analgesia: A Case Report

Tonsillectomy can lead to significant postoperative pain, which can impact the recovery process. Traditional analgesic approaches may entail risks due to medication use. Considering that the tonsils are innervated by the glossopharyngeal and maxillary nerves, implementing glossopharyngeal and maxillary nerve blocks can provide analgesia. Ultrasound guidance may improve its effectiveness and safety. A woman in her 30s with recurrent tonsillitis underwent tonsillectomy under general anesthesia. After induction, we performed an ultrasound-guided selective glossopharyngeal nerve block and an ultrasound-guided maxillary nerve block with ropivacaine. No analgesics were required during the six-day hospitalization period. There were no complications from the nerve blocks such as dysphagia or upper airway obstruction. The findings from this case indicated that the ultrasound-guided selective glossopharyngeal nerve block and ultrasound-guided maxillary nerve block provided effective analgesia after tonsillectomy without complications.