Date of this Version

2024

Document Type

DNP Project

Rights

default

Abstract

Abstract

Title: Comparison of Efficacy of Serratus Anterior Plane Block Versus Thoracic Epidural in Patient Undergoing Thoracic Surgery

Impact Statement: In patients undergoing thoracic surgery, serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) offers equal pain management and less hemodynamic compromise compared to the gold standard for pain management, the thoracic epidural (TE).

Background: Thoracic-related surgeries remain one of the most common procedures performed, with as many as 530,000 surgeries being conducted annually. Pain is a significant complication of these types of surgeries and remains a leading concern for patients. Anesthesia providers commonly take a multimodal approach to pain treatment plans, with regional anesthesia being at the forefront of their repertoire, particularly the TE.

Objective: This project aims to compare the effectiveness and safety of the SAPB and the TE in mitigating postoperative pain in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. It will present the findings through an educational module to anesthesia providers and evaluate the knowledge gained.

Method: A literature review compared the serratus anterior plane block and thoracic epidural as agents used to treat postoperative pain in patients undergoing thoracic surgical procedures. An online educational module was created and presented to anesthesia providers. Pre- and post-surveys were conducted to assess the degree of knowledge acquired. The project was initiated in a large level 1 trauma center, using an anonymous online platform that provided access for both the review of the educational module and data collection.

Results: The pre and post-survey results identified that providers gained knowledge on the benefits of the SAPB. The findings indicated that the SAPB can offer the same pain management profile as the TE while also providing hemodynamic stability that is not seen with implementing a TE.

Discussion: After reviewing the educational module, the survey data exemplified that anesthesia providers increased their knowledge of the SAPB, TE, and pain management in postoperative thoracic surgery patients. The limitations identified in this project included a small sample size, a short project timeline, and the use of an online platform.

Conclusion: The educational module improved anesthesia providers’ knowledge and attitude toward the SAPB and its use for postoperative thoracic surgical pain.

Keywords: Thoracic surgery, Serratus anterior plane block, Thoracic epidural, Prevention, Mitigation, and Postoperative pain.

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