Key result
Bilateral ultrasound-guided superficial parasternal intercostal plane block maintained pain scores below 4 with no systemic opioids required during the first 24 hours post-sternotomy.
Why the study?
Does bilateral ultrasound-guided superficial parasternal intercostal plane (S-PIP) block provide effective pain control and reduce opioid use in a patient undergoing midline sternotomy?
Case Report (n=1)
Does bilateral ultrasound-guided superficial parasternal intercostal plane (S-PIP) block provide effective pain control and reduce opioid use in a patient undergoing midline sternotomy?
S-PIP block may be a safe and effective opioid-sparing analgesic technique for patients undergoing midline sternotomy.
May support opioid-sparing analgesia after sternotomy; leaves open efficacy and safety in randomized trials.
We report a case of a 53-year-old male with myasthenia gravis who underwent thymectomy via a full-length median sternotomy. To minimize opioid exposure and enhance postoperative recovery, a bilateral ultrasound-guided superficial parasternal intercostal plane (S-PIP) block was administered using 15 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine on each side before incision. Postoperative analgesia was maintained with paracetamol and dexketoprofen. No systemic opioids were required, and pain scores remained below 4 during the first 24 hours. The patient recovered uneventfully in the postoperative period. This case highlights the utility of S-PIP block as a safe and opioid-sparing technique in high-risk patients undergoing sternotomy.
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Baran et al. (2025) conducted a case report in Myasthenia gravis (n=1). Bilateral ultrasound-guided superficial parasternal intercostal plane (S-PIP) block was evaluated on Postoperative pain and opioid requirement. Bilateral ultrasound-guided superficial parasternal intercostal plane block maintained pain scores below 4 with no systemic opioids required during the first 24 hours post-sternotomy.
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