Background/aim: Our hypothesis was that rectus sheath block (RSB) analgesia could enhance satisfaction following midline laparotomy in patients with benign disease and cancer patients.
Patients and methods: Initially, 56 patients were randomized into four groups; control group (n=12), single-dose (n=16), repeated-dose (n=12) and continuous infusion (n=16) RSB analgesia groups. The plasma concentrations of the NT marker were measured just before, immediately after and 24 h after operation. Patient satisfaction at 24 h postoperatively was filed on a 11-point numeric rating scale (SFS24; 0=fully unsatisfied; 10=fully satisfied).
Results: The RSB analgesia significantly enhanced the SFS24 scores in the study groups (p=0.001). The median plasma NT concentrations (pg/ml) following surgery (POP1) were significantly lower in patients with cancer versus patients with benign disease (5.3 vs. 7.6, p=0.008). Jitter plots of the individual SFS24 values versus plasma NT concentrations were significantly correlated in benign and cancer patients (r=-0.284, p=0.028).
Conclusion: The RSB analgesia could significantly enhance patient satisfaction following midline laparotomy. Plasma NT concentrations versus patient satisfaction following surgery are significantly correlated in benign disease and cancer.
Keywords: Benign disease; cancer; nitrosative stress; plasma nitrotyrosine; satisfaction following surgery.
Copyright© 2019, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.