Abstract: Spermatic-cord block improves analgesia for day-case testicular surgery.

Authors:

Burden RJ, O'Kelly SW, Sutton D, Cumming J.

Institution:

Shackleton Department of Anaesthesia, Southampton University Hospital Trust, UK.

Source:

Br J Urol. 1997 Sep;80(3):472-5.

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the use of a spermatic-cord block contributes any additional analgesia to that of a conventional analgesic regimen in day-case testicular surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind controlled study, 48 patients undergoing day-case testicular surgery received general anaesthesia together with fentanyl and diclofenac for analgesia. In addition, 22 of these patients received 10 mL of 0.5% plain bupivacaine into the spermatic cord at the conclusion of surgery. Visual-analogue pain scores were recorded for each group over the following 24 h. RESULTS: The visual-analogue pain scores were significantly lower in the immediate recovery period in patients receiving the spermatic-cord block. CONCLUSION: The spermatic-cord block reduced discomfort in the immediate post-operative period in patients undergoing testicular surgery and the procedure should be encouraged to improve the quality of post-operative pain management in such procedures.

Keywords:

Urology Surgery Testicular Regional Anaesthesia Spermatic Cord