Efficacy and safety of lower extremity nerve blocks for postoperative analgesia at free fibular flap donor sites.

Background We evaluated the utility of combined femoral and common peroneal nerve blocks in patients undergoing free fibular flap-based oromandibular reconstruction. Methods Forty patients undergoing reconstructive surgeries with free fibular flaps were randomly divided into nerve block and control groups (NB and C). In group NB, both femoral and common peroneal nerve blocks with 0.33% ropivacaine were used. In group C, sham blocks were performed with saline. The primary outcomes were sufentanyl consumption during the 0- to 24-hour and 24-to 48-hour intervals and cumulative consumption during the 48-hour postoperative period. Results Sufentanyl consumption for the 0-to 24-hour interval and cumulative sufentanyl consumption were significantly lower in group NB than in group C. Moreover, more patients in group NB than in group C were satisfied with the pain management. Conclusion Lower extremity nerve blocks reduce sufentanyl use and improve patient satisfaction when used for postoperative analgesia at the free fibular flap donor site.