Combining Stellate ganglion block and intravenous regional anesthesia to treat complex regional pain syndrome. A 19-years' experience in a tertiary center

Objectives: To study reduction in pain score after treatment with intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA) and Stellate ganglion block (SGB) combination on complex regional pain syndrome (CPRS) patients and to quantify patients' satisfaction with treatment and occurrence of complications. Methods: This is a record-based retrospective review carried out in 2020, targeting patients treated in the University of Jordan Hospital, Amman, Jordan, over the years 2002-2020. Results: Among 99 patients, a significant drop in pain scores occurred in 88% of the patients' sample. Gender, age, type of CRPS, and duration of symptoms didn't affect statistical results. An average of 8.6 sessions needed to achieve 50% drop in pain score, and 2-3 sessions for first clinical improvement. Patients with previous application of plaster of Paris had increased success rates. Conclusion: We find it practical, inexpensive, safe, and straightforward to combine SGB with IVRA for CRPS patients.

Automated summary

This study investigated the reduction in pain scores after treatment with a combination of IVRA and SGB for CRPS patients. It was found that the combination treatment was effective for most patients, with higher success rates in patients with previous plaster of Paris application.