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Nerve Block Cuts Opioids Needed Following Cleft Palate Surgery
Study of 10 infants found nerve block cut average morphine use from 0.75 mg to 0.1 mg and reduced hospital stay by half a day, researchers said.
- Researchers testing a suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block found 7 of 10 infants in the study required no morphine after cleft palate surgery, reducing opioid need.
- Because opioids carry respiratory and gastrointestinal risks for infants, they increase nausea, vomiting, constipation and depressed respiration after pediatric surgery, prompting parents and treating doctors to seek alternatives.
- Senior researcher Dr. Rutger Schols said the trial enrolled 10 infants averaging 7 months old and used a suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block, with results reported in the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery.
- Shorter hospital stays accompanied the use of the nerve block, with infants discharged after two days compared to two-and-a-half days for those without it, and clinicians are advised to discuss this option with parents.
- While the trial was small and non-randomized, researchers said larger trials are needed to confirm if suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block can reduce opioid use and hospital stays.
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Total News Sources18
Leaning Left5Leaning Right3Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 20%
R 30%
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